What causes difficulty breathing post defecation?
Patient: On occasion, right after a bowel movement, I have difficulty breathing. I don t have any difficulties with the bowel movement, no excessive straining. Once I m finished my lungs seem constricted and I can t get a full breath of air. Is this something I need to see a doctor about? Doctor: Thanks for your question on HCM.By your history and description I think you are having breathlessness on exertion (defeacation).This can be seen in cardiac and pulmonary causes.So we need to rule out both in your case.So get done1. ECG and 2d echo to rule out cardiac causes like heart failure and coronary artery disease.2. Get done chest x ray and PFT (pulmonary function test) to rule out chronic bronchitis and cor pulmonale.So consult doctor and discuss all these.