Fact: A Companion Can Help During Long Road Trips
For long road trips, itâs best to bring a companion if possible, someone who can share in the driving. Pull over and switch seats about every 100 miles or every two hours. Whoever is not behind the wheel should stay awake and talk to the driver. The passenger can also keep a watchful eye for signs that the driver might be nodding off.
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Risk Assessment For Excessive Daytime Sleepiness And Severe Fatigue
Univariate Odds Ratios for the Risk of Excessive Daytime Sleepiness and Severe Fatigue
A description of the possible explanatory variables, including their univariate odds ratios, for the risk of excessive daytime sleepiness and severe fatigue is shown in Table 3. In the univariate analyses, a significantly increased risk for excessive daytime sleepiness was found for the following factors: body mass index 35, sleep apnea, dyspnea with a severity of MRC grade 2 to MRC grades 4-5, muscle pain, conspicuous anxiety, and conspicuous depression. A significantly increased risk of severe fatigue was found for conspicuous depression, conspicuous anxiety, dyspnea according to MRC grade 3, and muscle pain.
Table 3
Univariate ORs for the risk of excessive daytime sleepiness and for the risk of severe fatigue
Multivariate Logit Models for Excessive Daytime Sleepiness and Severe Fatigue
Table 4
Multivariate logit models for excessive daytime sleepiness and severe fatigue
Fig. 1
Prevalence of muscle pain and conspicuous anxiety and depression in the 4 groups with and without severe fatigue and excessive daytime sleepiness. Significant differences were analyzed with the 2 test and are Bonferroni adjusted. The significance level is shown. ESS, Epworth Sleepiness Scale FAS, Fatigue Assessment Scale. * Only for depression ** only for anxiety.
Severe Fatigue in Combination with Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
Table 5
Table 6
Muscle Aches Fatigue And Shortness Of Breath
Muscle aches, fatigue and shortness of breath are three symptoms that often present themselves concurrently and are common to a variety of disorders or illnesses. The seasonal flu is the most common cause of this triad of symptoms, but the root of the problem may also be a more serious condition such as bronchitis, pneumonia or other viral or bacterial infection.
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Doctors Recommend Getting A Blood Test For Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/chronic Fatigue Syndome If You Have Experienced Fatigue For Longer Than:
There is no blood test for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndome. However, if you have experienced unexplained fatigue lasting longer than three months, you may want to see your doctor to rule out possible medical problems.myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome may be considered if you have experienced fatigue for longer than six months — especially if you have chronic pain or other common symptoms of ME/CFS. Diagnosis is usually based on an evaluation of the patient’s history and a thorough physical and mental examination that rules out other potential causes.
The Quality Of The Sensation And What It Might Mean
Many things contribute to a sensation of shortness of breath, and the symptom breaks down into three messily overlapping qualities, which are interesting but dont tell us much about whats going on, just a couple rough clues:
- Effort: a sensation of excessive work or effort to breathe, like breathing is just a slog. It is loosely associated with impairment of the muscular function and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease .
- Tightness: feeling tight may involve actual contstriction of airways as would occur in the early stages of an asthma attack . However, tightness can also be caused by actual spasticity of respiratory muscles, which could be ordinary muscle pain or more serious, like the infamous squeezing hug of multiple sclerosis.
- Air hunger: the most complex sensation, unsatisfied inspiration is described by patients in many ways, like starved for air or my breaths feel too small. Of the treatable causes, it is most clearly associated with anxiety. Although it sure doesnt feel like it, it can occur without any actual loss of respiratory capacity.
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When To Phone A Doctor
You should phone your GP immediately if you have sudden unexpected shortness of breath, as there may be a problem with your airways or heart.
Your GP will assess you over the phone, and may either visit you at home or admit you to hospital. If your shortness of breath is mild or the result of anxiety, you may be asked to come to the surgery rather than a home visit.
If youve struggled with your breathing for a while, dont ignore it. See your GP as its likely you have a long-term condition, such as obesity, asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease , which needs to be managed properly.
Your doctor may ask you some questions, such as:
- Did the breathlessness come on suddenly or gradually?
- Did anything trigger it, such as exercise?
- How bad is it? Does it only happen when youve been active, or when youre not doing anything?
- Is there any pain when you breathe?
- Do you have a cough?
- Do certain positions make it worse for example, are you unable to lie down?
Feeling like you cant get enough air can be terrifying, but doctors are well trained in managing this. You may be given extra oxygen to breathe if this is needed.
How Can I Treat A Dry Cough And Tight Chest
Most dry coughs clear up when you treat the underlying cause. Over-the-counter cough medicines arent usually that helpful. And children younger than 4 years of age shouldnt take any cough medicine because of the risk for serious side effects.
These at-home remedies can help:
- Drink plenty of liquids to stay hydrated. Try hot tea or water with honey and lemon to soothe irritated airways.
- Suck on cough drops or hard candies. Sucking on a hard lozenge promotes saliva production that soothes the throat. But dont give cough drops or hard candies to children under 4. They can choke.
- Take a spoonful of honey. Studies show that honey stops coughs as well as most OTC cough medicines. Your healthcare provider can recommend the right amount of honey based on the ill persons age. Never give honey to a child under 1 year of age. In babies, honey can cause botulism.
- Use a humidifier. A cool-mist humidifier puts moisture into the air. This extra moisture soothes nasal passages and sore throats and eases dry coughs. You can also get more moisture by taking a steamy shower or hot bath.
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Where Exactly To Massage
The main muscles of respiration are:
And heres one more minor respiratory muscle in the low back that could be clinically significant:
- The quadratus lumborum is a sheet of muscle spanning from the pelvis to the lower rib. A crampy quadratus lumborum can pull down on the lower rib like an action hero clinging to the landing skid of a helicopter. It may painfully resist elevation of the rib cage during inhalation and/or hurt when contracting to pull it down during exhalation. Read more about quadratus lumborum massage.
It is also well worthwhile to massage other muscles throughout the neck, shoulders, and chest. Even the upper back! Soothing them may indirectly help the actual respiration muscles. And even if they dont control breathing themselves, they often produce sensations that feel related to breathing in a way that is hard to describe. Feeling stiff in the upper back often has a lot of sensory overlap with shortness of breath they are similar and probably related sensations.
For instance, its startling how much trigger points between the shoulder blades can feel related to breathing . After professional massage of this area, patients often say something like, I feel like I can breathe again! Even if they didnt feel short of breath to begin with!
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Breathing Difficulties In Young Children
Babies and young children often have breathing difficulties when they have respiratory viruses. Breathing symptoms often occur because small children dont know how to clear their noses and throats. There are several conditions that can lead to more severe breathing difficulties. Most children recover from these conditions with proper treatment.
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A Problem With Your Lungs Or Airways
Sudden breathlessness could be an asthma attack. This means your airways have narrowed and you’ll produce more phlegm , which causes you to wheeze and cough. You’ll feel breathless because it’s difficult to move air in and out of your airways.
Your GP may advise you to use a spacer device with your asthma inhaler. This delivers more medicine to your lungs, helping to relieve your breathlessness.
Pneumonia may also cause shortness of breath and a cough. It’s usually caused by an infection, so you’ll need to take antibiotics.
If you have COPD, it’s likely your breathlessness is a sign this condition has suddenly got worse.
How Can Shortness Of Breath And Nausea Be Treated
1. Gastritis
In cases when gastritis is the cause, its treatment depends on the underlying cause of gastritis. In cases of acute gastritis caused by alcohol abuse or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, stopping alcohol abuse or the use of these drugs will relieve the symptoms.
Certain over-the-counter medications as well as prescribed medications can help relieve gastritis, such as:
- Antibiotics in cases of an infection with Helicobacter pylori
The most important thing when it comes to the treatment of gastritis is a lifestyle change. Follow these tips in your daily life.
- Eat more frequently and in smaller portions.
- Avoid certain types of food which will irritate your stomach, such as spicy foods, fatty foods, fried foods, and acidic foods.
- Dont drink alcohol as it irritates the lining of your stomach.
- Avoid stress as it is known that the symptoms of gastritis just get worse due to stress. Yoga, massage, tai chi, meditation, swimming, walking, etc., can help you reduce stress as much as possible.
- Choose safe pain relievers such as acetaminophen which tend to have a smaller effect on your gastritis.
2. Panic Attack
What if the shortness of breath and nausea are caused by panic attack? Certain medications and psychotherapy can help treat panic attacks, based on the severity of your panic attacks, your medical and family history, etc. With proper treatment, the frequency and intensity of your panic attacks can be reduced.
3. Heart Attack
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When Is Being Too Tired A Problem
Lets face it: We arentwhat we used to be as we get on up there. Aging has many wonderful aspects, butone of the many problems is that we do not have the stamina and energy we didwhen younger. That is a normal part of aging and just something that comes withthe territory. However, being excessively tired or listless can be termedfatigue.
Shortness Of Breath With Nonproductive Cough And Fatigue
Vol. 12 Issue 3 Page 21Shortness of Breath With Nonproductive Cough and Fatigue
A 24-year-old African-American woman presented to the fast-track emergency department three times with subjective complaints of shortness of breath. She was evaluated by three different nurse practitioners. She reported taking no routine medications.
On her initial visit, her chief complaint was shortness of breath and a nonproductive cough for 1 day. Her physical examination was unremarkable. Her lungs were clear, pulse rate 80, respiratory rate 16, temperature 98 degrees and blood pressure 146/79 mmHg her oxygen saturation was 100%. She reported no previous medical problems. She was diagnosed with an upper-respiratory infection, and the NP prescribed over-the-counter cold medicines.
Two weeks later, she reported continued subjective complaints of shortness of breath and nonproductive cough, as well as new onset dyspnea on exertion. Her physical examination was again unremarkable. Her lungs were clear, pulse rate 72, respiratory rate 16, temperature 98.7 degrees and blood pressure 132/76 mmHg her oxygen saturation was 98%. The NP diagnosed bronchitis and prescribed Tessalon Perles for cough, vitamin C 500 mg twice a day and increased fluid intake.
Differential Diagnosis
Diagnostic Testing
Discussion
Remember the saying: If you hear hoof beats, do you think of horses or zebras? Sometimes its a zebra.
References
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Sleep Disorders And Fatigue
Symptoms: Chronic fatigue, feeling exhausted upon awakening, snoring
Sleep disorders are a group of conditions that disrupt or prevent restful, restorative sleep. That can take a toll on your health and quality of life, so its important to look out for signs and symptoms.
Continued
Sleep apnea is one of the most common sleep disorders. If you or your partner notices loud snoring and you wake up tired and stay that way, you could have sleep apnea. More than one-third of adults in the U.S. snore at least a few nights a week. But if the snoring stops your breathing for seconds at a time, it could be sleep apnea. Learn more about the best sleep positions and see if sleeping on your stomach is bad or not.
Obstructive sleep apnea causes low blood oxygen levels. That’s because blockages prevent air from getting to the lungs. The low oxygen levels also affect how well your heart and brain work. Sometimes, the only clue that you might have sleep apnea is chronic fatigue.
Your doctor may prescribe a medical device called CPAP that helps keep your airways open while you sleep. In severe cases of sleep apnea, surgery may help. The surgeon will remove tissues that are blocking the airways. If left untreated, sleep apnea can increase your risk of a stroke or heart attack.
But sleep apnea is just one of many sleep disorders that cause fatigue. Other common types include:
Continued
What Causes Fatigue
Many conditions, disorders, medications and lifestyle factors can cause fatigue. Fatigue can be temporary, or it can be a chronic condition . You may be able to relieve your symptoms by changing your diet, medications, exercise or sleep habits. If an underlying medical condition causes fatigue, doctors can usually treat the condition or help you manage it.
Causes of fatigue include:
- Lifestyle habits: Poor diet, excessive alcohol, drug use, too much stress and a sedentary lifestyle can all contribute to fatigue. Jet lag commonly causes temporary fatigue .
- Medical conditions: Fatigue is a symptom of a wide range of diseases, disorders and deficiencies affecting various parts of the body.
- Sleep disorders: Insomnia, sleep apnea, and narcolepsy can cause extreme exhaustion and long-term fatigue.
- Medications and treatments: Several prescription and over-the-counter drugs, including antihistamines and blood pressure medications, can cause fatigue. Fatigue is a common side effect of bone marrow transplants, chemotherapy and treatments for a range of conditions.
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Why Should You Care
Even survivors with mild initial symptoms can have persistent symptoms that last for a month or more after infection with COVID-19.
Top 5 Symptoms of Long COVID
If you are experiencing lingering symptoms after being infected with COVID, or you feel worse or develop any new symptoms, you should contact your healthcare provider. The American Lung Association has also launched a Long COVID online community to offer additional support.
He Noticed He Was Breathless At Night And Went To See His Doctor
Nobody told me that, well I was told that every time I had a heart attack the muscles in my heart died a little or were damaged, and that they wouldn’t recover at that time and up to the present time there is no recovery, although they’re working on it! And…the consultant, no not the consultant, the surgeon that actually did the thing said that he didn’t think he would get rid of my breathlessness completely with this but it should do me. It should prevent any more heart attacks coming and should look after me for… I think approximately 10 years. And that was that. I had a triple bypass and I had a nurse come and take out the stitches and see me here, and then she went ill and I never saw anybody again for about 7′ years. When I started getting very alarmingly puffy, and especially alarming was getting breathless lying down in bed and I thought well this is not right, this is something wrong. And… it was then I went down to the local doctor and it was an emergency appointment so it was a lady doctor, who was very good, and she decided to send me for a scan in the the hospital. And there was an Irish lady doctor there, who had a good look at everything and said there hadn’t been any great deterioration in my heart, but it might be a good thing to see the consultant.
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High Or Persistent Fever
The big worries: Fever is your bodys way of fighting infection. But fever of 103 degrees and higher warrants a trip to the doctor period, says David Bronson, M.D., president of the American College of Physicians. It may indicate a urinary tract infection, pneumonia, endocarditis or meningitis, which may require antibiotics to clear up. A persistent low-grade fever for several weeks with no obvious cause is characteristic of some infections, including a sinus infection, and some cancers, like lymphoma and leukemia. Cancer is on the list of things we think about, but it is usually not the first thing, says Ronan Factora, M.D., a geriatrician at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio.
What else it might be: Fever can be triggered by a virus, which, depending on your health and other symptoms, may require hospitalization.
Natural Treatment For Shortness Of Breath
Shortness of breath can be triggered by illness and fatigue, but it can also be a symptom of a serious underlying condition. Serious heart conditions such as heart attack, heart disease, and heart failure can all cause shortness of breath.
Medical treatment will be required for serious conditions, as treatment will prevent serious damage and death. There are also natural treatments you can use to support heart health and reduce risks.
Niacin, or vitamin B3, is proven to support heart health in several ways. This essential vitamin naturally lowers cholesterol and blood pressure, both of which are risk factors for heart attack and heart failure. High cholesterol increases the risk of clogged and damaged arteries, and niacin prevents this. By also lowering blood pressure, niacin protects the heart and blood vessels from stress and damage that can trigger heart failure.
Another beneficial and natural ingredient is red yeast rice. This fermented rice contains compounds that lower cholesterol and work as effectively as the top prescription medications. Red yeast rice also lowers blood pressure and blood glucose levels naturally.
Blood glucose levels are important to heart health, as those with diabetes have a significant risk of heart failure. High blood glucose levels damage heart tissues, and red yeast rice can prevent this by naturally controlling these levels.
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