What causes shortness of breath while running?
Patient: I AM QUITE FIT AND HAVE BEEN TRAINING FOR THE LAST 4 MONTHS WITH INCREASING INTENSITY FOR AN ULTRA MARATHON. OVER THE LAST 4 WEEKS I HAVE COMPLETED A 50KM AND A 57KM EVENT. SINCE THEN I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING SHORTNESS OF BREATH AND I KNOW ITS NOT DUE TO MY FITNESS LEVEL. I EXPERIENCED THIS IS THE POOL TODAY AND ON MY 27KM RUN YESTERDAY. MY BREATHING WAS QUITE ERRATIC AND DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. SHOULKD I GET THIS SEEN TO OR IS IT JUST FATIGUEA? Doctor: Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic. I can understand your concern. No, this is unlikely due to fatigue. Possibility of cardiac or Pulmonary disease is more in your case. So better to consult doctor and get done 1. Ecg and 2d echo to rule out cardiac diseases. 2. Chest x ray and PFT (Pulmonary Function Test) to rule out Pulmonary causes. Better to avoid further running. First diagnose yourself, start appropriate treatment and than you can continue your running and other exercise. Hope I have solved your query. Wish you good health. Thanks.