Fatigue and Shortness of Breath

Shortness of breath, and corresponding fatigue may be symptoms of a variety of conditions. Some may be minor, while others may need to be looked into seriously. It is important not to ignore these symptoms and give them the due treatment on time to prevent the condition from becoming serious.

Associated Symptoms

• Persons with fatigue will experience a general feeling of weakness throughout the day, with an inability to do even basic daily chores with ease.
• Fever and chills are other symptoms.
• Even short activities like climbing a few steps may cause tiredness and shortness of breath.
• One may experience trouble in thinking clearly, and may find oneself dazed all the time.
• Wheezing even when trying to breathe normally may occur.
• One may feel bloated, especially in the arms and legs, due to lack of proper breathing.
• Restlessness and the inability to lie flat on the bed comfortably, often waking up through the night is a common symptom.

Causes

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Anxiety, or constant panic and worry over even minor issues, can cause fatigue and shortness of breath. It may seem slightly unrealistic, but it is a fact that emotional experiences are sometimes so powerful as to cause physical disabilities.
• Insomnia: It is common knowledge that, lack of sleep leads to fatigue. However, in some cases, the effect of less sleep is a new set of problems that includes shortness of breath.
• Heart Disease: These two symptoms usually occur as a result of an oncoming or already passed heart disease. The heart is what keeps the human machine going, and a problem with it will definitely lead to further problems. The role of oxygen in the normal functioning of the heart is well-known. It is no surprise then, that a heart disease cause tiredness and difficulty breathing.
• Obesity: Again, obesity or excess body weight is a cause for general lethargy leading to fatigue. The excess weight even makes it difficult to breathe at the normal rate, thereby resulting in shortness of breath. Obesity may even result in other health problems such as heart disease.
• Anemia: Lack of hemoglobin results in lack of sufficient oxygen in the body. Thus, shortness of breath and subsequent fatigue are bound to occur.
• Asthma: An asthma attack as a result of exposure to dust and various allergens causes the constriction of the bronchial tubes. As a result, one may experience shortness of breath and fatigue due to lack of enough air.

Treatment

In order to cure extreme fatigue and accompanying shortness of breath, it is important to address the aforementioned causes and treat them. Also, if the condition is serious, undergoing treatment under the supervision of a doctor is the only way to cure these problems. The factors mentioned below may be considered supplements to the actual treatment for this condition.

• Changing the kind of food one eats will make a difference and eliminate fatigue. A balanced diet with a good exercise regime will make you feel like a whole new person altogether.
• Even resorting to yoga combined with deep breathing exercises has known to cure the human body of practically all kinds of ailments, or at least, reduce the degree of seriousness of the ailment.
• Reduce stress by engaging in some kind of group activities, such as a laughter club, or indulging in a massage, or just spending quality time with family. As such, you will reduce all the health problems you may be at a risk of.
• Overlooking adequate rest and relaxation, and sleep is a mistake everyone makes with regard to overall well-being. It is of prime importance to give the body the rest it needs for it to function normally.

Do not try out any of these techniques to overcome the problem without getting a physical examination to determine the cause of this condition. It may be serious and treating it ignoring it is not an option.

Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only and does not, in any way, intend to replace the advice of a medical expert.