Content Supervision
KOMAI TSUBASA
KOMAI TSUBASA
KOMAI TSUBASA
KOMAI TSUBASA
Physician / Board-Certified Internist (Japanese Society of Internal Medicine) / Board-Certified Interventional Cardiologist (Japanese Association of Cardiovascular Intervention and Therapeutics) / ECG Certification Level 1
I have worked diligently as a young physician on the front lines of cardiovascular emergency medicine. While I feel an “immense sense of fulfillment” when patients brought in by ambulance successfully return to their normal lives, I have also witnessed many cases of “the ultimate consequences of lifestyle diseases” that could not be saved. I aspire to be a family doctor whom patients can consult as casually as they would a friend, with the goal of helping people before it’s too late. I am also involved in medical education to improve health literacy among the Japanese public.
What are the symptoms of shortness of breath and fatigue?
Shortness of breath is a term used to describe a situation where you “cannot breathe without exerting yourself, or breathing feels uncomfortable.” Medically, this is called “dyspnea,” but patients often complain of :
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pressure
- Shallow and rapid breathing
- difficulty breathing
Of course, it is normal and not abnormal to feel short of breath after strenuous exercise, but if you find yourself short of breath even after exertion that has not previously caused you any problems, or if you experience shortness of breath even when resting, this may be a sign of an underlying illness.
The word “tiredness” is used in the same sense as the word “malaise,” and refers to a feeling of being so tired that it becomes difficult to go about your daily life as usual. Tiredness caused by lack of sleep, poor lifestyle habits, or after exercise can usually be improved by resting or improving your lifestyle. However, if you are sick, it may not improve easily.
Things to keep in mind when you experience shortness of breath or fatigue
Fatigue can also be caused by overexertion, lack of sleep, and lifestyle habits. First, don’t push yourself too hard and get plenty of rest. If the symptoms persist, there may be some kind of problem. Consult a medical institution as soon as possible.
Shortness of breath and fatigue can also be a sign of a serious illness. If you experience symptoms such as chest or throat pain, vomiting, cold sweats, or blue lips or fingertips, consult a doctor immediately.
Possible causes of shortness of breath and fatigue
Shortness of breath and fatigue can be caused by a variety of illnesses, so it can be difficult to identify the underlying illness on your own. However, it is possible to narrow down the illness to a certain extent based on the symptoms.
Anemia
If symptoms appear slowly or are accompanied by dizziness, headache, or abnormal taste, it may be anemia caused by iron deficiency.
Asthma
People who have or have had atopic dermatitis in the past are known to be at high risk for asthma. If you experience shortness of breath accompanied by a cough at night or early in the morning, or wheezing when breathing, asthma may be suspected.
Heart failure
If you have previously been diagnosed with heart disease or abnormalities, your shortness of breath may be triggered by heart failure. Heart failure is characterized by symptoms that worsen while you sleep, which is a cause for concern. As heart failure worsens, even walking can become difficult, and if left untreated for a long period of time, it can even lead to death, so we recommend that you see a doctor.
Pneumonia
If you have a fever or are around people with similar symptoms, pneumonia may be a possibility. There are various causes, including bacteria and viruses, and in elderly people, aspiration pneumonia can occur when a foreign object enters the trachea but the person is unable to choke properly, causing inflammation in the lungs. A detailed examination is necessary to determine the cause of the condition and treatment.
COPD/Interstitial pneumonia
If you are a current or former smoker and find yourself constricting your lungs when breathing, you may have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or interstitial pneumonia, which are lung diseases that are common among smokers.
As you can see, you can narrow down the possible diseases to a certain extent by the way the symptoms appear and by the presence of symptoms other than shortness of breath and fatigue, but there may be a serious underlying condition that you did not anticipate. If the symptoms are severe and distressing, or if you are worried, consult a medical institution immediately. In addition, shortness of breath and fatigue can also be caused by psychological issues or hormonal imbalances, even if there is no physical problem.
Urgent illness accompanied by shortness of breath and fatigue
There are several situations in which you should take immediate action, such as calling an ambulance, if you experience shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. In these cases, it is important to take action immediately rather than waiting to see what happens.
If shortness of breath occurs after eating, immediately after taking medicine, or immediately after being stung by an insect (especially a bee), anaphylactic shock may be suspected. Some people have been told by their doctor to carry an EpiPen syringe with them on a daily basis, but if not, it is recommended that you call an ambulance.
If symptoms appear after maintaining the same position for a long time and you also experience chest pain, pulmonary embolism is suspected. This is also a highly urgent and life-threatening condition that requires immediate treatment.
Even if these characteristics are not present, if the patient is not clearly conscious, the situation should be considered to be highly urgent.
summary
- Shortness of breath and fatigue can occur even in the absence of any particular illness, but they can also be a sign of a serious underlying illness.
- In some cases, immediate treatment may be necessary.
References
Book:
Okaniwa, Yutaka. Iyanote 2021: Internal Medicine & Surgery Edition. Medic Media.
Websites:
Saiseikai Imperial Gift Foundation. Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea).
https://www.saiseikai.or.jp/medical/symptom/short_breath/
Saiseikai Imperial Gift Foundation. Fatigue and General Malaise.
https://www.saiseikai.or.jp/medical/symptom/fatigue/
The Japanese Respiratory Society. Respiratory Q&A: Q10 – Why Do I Get Short of Breath When Climbing Slopes or Stairs?
https://www.jrs.or.jp/modules/citizen/index.php?content_id=56
Hiroshima Medical Association. Emergency Care Pamphlet.
http://www.hiroshima.med.or.jp/pamphlet/178/iii-5.html
National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology. What Is the Cause of Your Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea)?
https://www.ncgg.go.jp/hospital/navi/08.html
