Shortness of Breath and Fatigue: Symptoms or Side Effects?
September 26, 2009
Shortness of breath and fatigue are often symptoms of conditions like respiratory disease, but could also be side effects associated with certain medications. Below is a list of diseases and conditions associated with symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue, as well as a list of medications related to similar side effects. We are not medical professionals, and these may not be comprehensive lists. Please contact your doctor if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms or side effects, or similar health issues.
Shortness of Breath and Fatigue Are Symptoms Of
Asthma: Asthma is inflammation and constriction of the bronchial tubes. Attacks can be triggered by airborne allergens, stress, cold air, air pollutants, acid reflux, and more. Shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest tightness are common symptoms. The restriction of air flow can lead to fatigue.
Obesity: Obesity is a condition in which you have accumulated enough excess body fat to cause health problems. Shortness of breath and fatigue are common symptoms of obesity and the condition can lead to other life threatening health problems such as sleep apnea, heart problems, and stroke.
Weight Gain / Lack of Exercise: Sometimes the simplest explanation is the correct explanation. You don’t have to be obese to feel the effects of weight gain and general lack of exercise.
Asbestos-Related Diseases: Asbestos exposure can affect the entire body but most often causes conditions that affect the lungs. Among these are asbestosis which is scaring of the lungs, and mesothelioma which is cancer of the lining of the lungs. Both can take decades to manifest symptoms. Symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, and pain.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a mental health disorder that involves chronic anxiety and excessive worrying for no known reason. GAD can cause shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle tension, irritability, difficulty swallowing, hot flashes, trembling and more.
Shortness of Breath and Fatigue Are Side Effects Associated With
Potassium-sparing Diuretics: Diuretics increase urination to relieve fluid retention. They are used to treat many conditions including heart conditions and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Potassium-sparing diuretics, such as Amiloride, Spironolactone, and Triamterene, help the body retain potassium while expelling fluid, and can have side effects that include shortness of breath, skin rashes, and itching.
Indera: Indera (Propranolol) is a beta blocker used to treat tremors, high blood pressure, chest pain, heart rhythm disorders, migraines and to prevent heart attack. Side effects can include shortness of breath, fatigue, depression, impotence, memory loss, and slow heart rate.
Lopressor: Lopressor (metoprolol) is another beta blocker. It is used to treat chest pain and high blood pressure and to prevent high blood pressure. Metoprolol can have side effects that include fatigue, shortness of breath, impotence, inability to achieve orgasm, fainting, depression, swelling of the ankles and feet, and cold hands and feet.
Digoxin: Digoxin is widely used in the treatment of various heart conditions, namely atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter and sometimes heart failure. It decreases the conduction of electrical impulses through the AV node and increases the force of contraction of the heart. However, Digoxin is very dose-sensitive, as was demonstrated by the many victims in pending digoxin lawsuits over the recalled brand Digitek.
Interferon: Interferon stimulates the immune system and is used to treat diseases such as hepatitis and cancer. Side effects can include shortness of breath, fatigue, and flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle aches, and headache.
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2 Responses to “Shortness of Breath and Fatigue: Symptoms or Side Effects?”
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digoxin causes insomnia, shortness of breath, frequent urination, depression and cold hands and sun sensitivity and eye sesitivity for me. How about for you?
75 year old male, non smoker/drinker ever, however overweight. no heart problems in family but have managed high blood pressure with Lotrel. Am retired and have some medical problems i.e. stenosis lumbar resulting in sciatica unsucessfully operated on and arthritis of both knees both of which allow me only short walks etc. Some months back I began to notice a distinct shortness of breath that whan doing minor chores about the apartment ( wife works 6 days a week) The condition results in inability to perform minor chores without sitting down or leaning on a piece of furniture. Also when taking short walks any upgrade in the road or climbing 13 stairs to my apartment brings on the symptom. My doctor is on vacation and because the condition has gone on as long as it has I decided to wait for her return.
Regards,
Bob Stanton