First, you need several medical tests to
confirm if you really have breathing
problems or not.
A physical examination (inspection,
palpation, percussion and auscultation) is
the first step. Then, depending upon the
physical examination results you can be
referred for an ECG, chest X-ray and lung
functional tests (functional capacity, FEV
and PEF). Standard blood tests plus
certain specific blood tests for
evaluating the lung function (hemoglobin
saturation, pO2 and pCO2 levels, alcal
reserve, blood’s pH, etc. in the blood)
can also be done. If all these tests are
okay you probably don’t have breathing
problems.
Sometimes breathing problems can be due to
a neuro-muscular disorder that affects the
nerves or muscles that maintain the
breathing. Bone disorders of the spine,
ribs or sternum can also affect the
breathing.
A final option, but one very common in
young women like you, is anxiety and panic
attacks.
You may want to consult your family doctor
first and then a pulmonologist, if
necessary.
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