A Gas Exchange Disease Huge Cdc Exercise Study Puts New Slant On Me/cfs
by Cort Johnson | Jun 25, 2022 | Cardiovascular, Exercise, Homepage, Research |
A large CDC exercise study highlights breathing abnormalities in ME/CFS but points a finger at the muscles.
Part one of a series on breathing and oxygenation in chronic fatigue syndrome and long COVID focuses on a large study that prompted a reassessment of whats happening during exercise in ME/CFS.
Breathing problems particularly shortness of breath or experiencing air hunger have shown up in chronic fatigue syndrome for a long time, but only recently has breathing become a research focus. That didnt happen because of patient complaints it happened when exercise studies suggest that something with the breathing had gone awry during exercise.
A small muscle at the bottom of the lungs is responsible for having us breathe when were not exercising.
In a way, thats not a surprise at all. Breathing, after all, is inseparable from energy production. Breathing is what the body does to deliver fuel to the mitochondria in our cells. It is also the way our body removes the by-products of energy production from our cells. Our breathing fluctuates depending on our energy needs. We breathe more deeply and rapidly during exercise to deliver more oxygen to our working muscles and more importantly, to remove the CO2 thats starting to build up. Breathing is fundamental to being able to produce energy. Its also quite a complex process.
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Ways To Fight Fatigue From Congestive Heart Failure
If you’re one of the millions feeling worn out from heart failure, take back the day with these fatigue-fighting heart failure solutions.
The term “heart failure” tends to mislead. After all, people who have it don’t necessarily have a heart that has stopped working rather, their hearts can’t pump blood as well as they should.
Still, it’s serious. As your heart works overtime, it can cause tiredness, shortness of breath and a feeling of being simply worn out.
Such are the signs of fatigue, one of the most common symptoms of congestive heart failure. Nearly six million adults in the U.S. live with heart failure, the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention reports, and many of them feel tired when they do even simple things around the house, such as taking a shower.
But luckily, people can thrive with a heart failure diagnosis and fight fatigue along the way. With a few lifestyle shifts , you can bring back more energy into your day. Ask your doctor what’s right for you, and if they give the go-ahead, try these heart failure solutions to combat fatigue and live an active, exciting life.
1. Eat for Your Heart
If you have congestive heart failure, your doctor has likely already given you guidance for a heart-healthy diet. Generally, that means eating more of the good stuff and less of the bad stuff .
2. Renew Your Energy With Exercise
3. Take a Nap
4. Make Time for Mental Health
5. Get Better Sleep
Taking Back Your Day
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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When To Call Your Doctor
Seek medical care if you experience the following symptoms:
- Increased water retention with swelling of the legs, face, or hands
- Sudden shortness of breath
- Sudden fatigue or marked changes in energy levels
- Persistent or recurrent dizziness and lightheadedness
While these symptoms can be caused by any number of medical conditions, none should be considered normal. It is important to have them checked out.
On the other hand, you should seek immediate emergency care if you experience any of the following:
- Changes in the level of consciousness, including extreme sleepiness, difficulty waking up, or fainting
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Chronic Kidney Disease Effects On The Neurological System
There is indirect evidence that increased activity of the sympathetic nervous system might contribute to hypertension in patients with end-stage.
However, chronic overactivation of the sympathetic nervous system leads to increased cardiovascular risk. People with chronic kidney disease.
Long COVID is characterized by fatigue, general body weakness and malaise, shortness of breath may continue, Dr.
There is increasing evidence to show that uraemic toxins, for example indoxyl sulphate, have a neurotoxic effect. A better understanding of factors responsible.
An ingredient commonly isolated from soybeans, peanuts, and egg yolks, has been shown in a recent review to act in similar.
Mount Sinai scientists have become the first to report a potentially serious side effect.
chronic disease with periods of acute illness. CAR-T cell therapy uses genetically engineered immune.
Chronic kidney disease is a critical and rapidly growing global health problem. Neurological complications occur in almost all patients with severe CKD, potentially affecting all levels of the nervous system, from the CNS through to the PNS.
Among the many different kidney diseases that may affect cats, CKD is the most.
of a number of important systems, including the eyes, brain, and heart.
Cognitive impairment increases in prevalence with chronic kidney disease .
of larger populations and use of current brain imaging techniques .
based referral system.
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What Tests And Procedures Diagnose Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease usually causes no symptoms in its early stages. Only lab tests can detect any developing problems. Anyone at increased risk for chronic kidney disease should be routinely tested for development of this disease.
- Urine, blood, and imaging tests are used to detect kidney disease, as well as to follow its progress.
- All of these tests have limitations. They are often used together to develop a picture of the nature and extent of the kidney disease.
- In general, this testing can be performed on an outpatient basis.
Urine tests
Urinalysis: Analysis of the urine affords enormous insight into the function of the kidneys. The first step in urinalysis is doing a dipstick test. The dipstick has reagents that check the urine for the presence of various normal and abnormal constituents including protein. Then, the urine is examined under a microscope to look for red and white blood cells, and the presence of casts and crystals .
Only minimal quantities of albumin are present in urine normally. A positive result on a dipstick test for protein is abnormal. More sensitive than a dipstick test for protein is a laboratory estimation of the urine albumin and creatinine in the urine. The ratio of albumin and creatinine in the urine provides a good estimate of albumin excretion per day.
Blood tests
Other tests
What Are The Signs And Symptoms Associated With Fatigue
Fatigue is a symptom that usually has some underlying cause. Fatigue may be described by people in different ways, and may include some combination include weakness, lack of energy, constantly tired or exhausted, lack of motivation, difficulty concentrating, and/or difficulty starting and completing tasks.
Other symptoms such as fainting or loss of consciousness , near-syncope, rapid heartbeat , dizziness or vertigo may also be described as part of the fatigue experienced by the affected individual. The presence of these symptoms may actually help lead a health care practitioner to discover the underlying cause of the fatigue.
The potential causes of fatigue are numerous. The majority of diseases known to man often list fatigue or malaise as possible associated symptoms. This is complicated by the fact that fatigue can occur in normal healthy individuals as a normal response to physical and mental exertion. However, normal fatigue may begin to become abnormal if it becomes chronic, extreme or prolonged fatigue usually this occurs when a person experiences chronic or prolonged physical or mental exertion. For example, unusually hard physical or mental exertion for one day can result in normal fatigue that may last about a day or sometimes more, depending on the exertion level, while daily unusually hard physical or mental exertion may result in prolonged fatigue . This latter situation may develop into abnormal fatigue.
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What Are Acute And Chronic Dyspnea
Acute and chronic dyspnea differ in how quickly they start and how long they last. They have different causes.
Acute dyspnea
Acute dyspnea can come on quickly and doesnt last very long . Allergies, anxiety, exercise and illness can cause acute dyspnea. More serious conditions, like a heart attack, sudden airway narrowing or blood clot can also cause acute dyspnea.
Chronic dyspnea
Chronic dyspnea is shortness of breath that lasts a long time or keeps coming back. Ongoing health conditions like asthma, heart failure and COPD can cause chronic dyspnea. Not getting enough exercise can also make you feel breathless all the time because your muscles are trying to get more oxygen.
Fatigue And Shortness Of Breath Are Not Signs Of Aging
Have you noticed your energy level is lower and you are more short of breath even when performing the normal activities in your daily life? Dont ignore these feelings, or chalk them up to getting old. This is not a normal part of the aging process. It is your body telling you that it is struggling, maybe even with something as serious as a heart attack.
Shortness of breath and fatigue are frequently experienced by patients prior to having a heart attack. But you may not be aware just how far in advance these symptoms start to show. Its not necessarily a matter of minutes or hours. Many people who survive a heart attack start feeling as if something is not right several weeks, or even months, prior to the episode.
If the heart cannot supply itself with enough blood due to narrowed or blocked arteries, all of your body organs will suffer. These symptoms may progress at such a slow rate that they go unrecognized over time. Ive had many patients tell me they had been less active in the past month or two because of fatigue and shortness of breath. But they just didnt think about it in relation to heart disease until after they had a heart attack.
Women need to be especially aware of these symptoms. We are more likely to experience fatigue and loss of breath leading up to a heart attack than men are. While chest pressure remains the most common symptom of heart disease, it is not always the most limiting.
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When To Seek Emergency Medical Attention
Look for emergency warning signs* for COVID 19:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- Inability to wake or stay awake
- Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone
If someone is showing any of these signs, call 911 or call ahead to your local emergency facility. Notify the operator that you are seeking care for someone who has or may have COVID-19.
*This list is not all possible symptoms. Please call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.
Influenza and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. COVID-19 is caused by infection with a coronavirus named SARS-CoV-2, and flu is caused by infection with influenza viruses. You cannot tell the difference between flu and COVID-19 by symptoms alone because some of the symptoms are the same. Some PCR tests can differentiate between flu and COVID-19 at the same time. If one of these tests is not available, many testing locations provide flu and COVID-19 tests separately. Talk to a healthcare provider about getting tested for both flu and COVID-19 if you have symptoms.
How Does Me/cfs Affect People
ME/CFS affects different people in different ways, some more severely than others. There are four levels of severity of ME/CFS, which give an indication of the level of disability ME/CFS can create:
- mild: 50% reduction in pre-illness activity
- moderate: mostly housebound
- severe: mostly bedridden
- very severe: totally bedridden and need help with basic activities including nutrition and hydration.
The severity of ME/CFS can vary over time. A person living with ME/CFS could be at one level of severity now, then their disease could either improve or deteriorate over time. For some patients, their disease can worsen significantly with no known cause. Other patients have a fluctuating illness where they have better and worse periods, which last for months or years. It is unclear why this happens.
For most people, ME/CFS is a lifelong disease. Full recovery is rare and estimated at less than 10%. For some people with ME/CFS, as time passes and their disease improves, they will find they can do more, but it is a slow and gradual process. However, this is not the case for everyone. Some people find their disease worsens over time, others may remain somewhat stable. With support and pacing, people can often improve their quality of life.
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Viral Or Bacterial Infection And Fatigue
Symptoms: Fatigue, fever, head or body aches.
Fatigue can be a symptom of infections ranging from the flu to HIV. If you have an infection, you’ll probably have other symptoms like fever, head or body aches, shortness of breath, or appetite loss.
Infections that may cause fatigue include:
Treating the infection often relieves your fatigue. But some infections, including mononucleosis and COVID-19, can lead to long-lasting tiredness.
Sudden Or Severe Abdominal Pain
The big worries: Sudden abdominal pain could signal that an aortic aneurysm a bulge that develops in the aorta, frequently in the abdominal area has ruptured. If the aneurysm ruptures, the pain tends to be sudden and severe and typically centralized around the belly button, says Richard Desi, M.D., a gastroenterologist with Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore. Alternatively, sudden pain can indicate a perforated viscus , often due to an ulcer. Intestinal ischemia, which happens when blood flow to the intestines slows or stops, starving tissues of oxygen, can be a culprit, too. Its more common in older, sicker patients who have heart failure or atrial fibrillation, says Brian Putka, M.D., a gastroenterologist with the Cleveland Clinic. Each of these conditions is life threatening, requiring emergency surgery.
Not all heart attacks are alike
Did you know that you can have a heart attack without feeling any chest pain? Heart failure and heart disease dont show the same signs for everyone, especially women.
The heart is a muscle that contracts to pump blood throughout the body. A heart attack occurs when the heart muscle doesnt get enough blood. Blood carries oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscle. When there isnt enough blood flowing to your heart muscle, the affected part can get damaged or die. This is dangerous and sometimes deadly.
There are many risk factors that contribute to having a heart attack, including:
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The Dangers Of Fatigue
Fatigue refers to general tiredness and lack of energy. However, it is important to note that fatigue is more than just feeling tired. “Fatigue is a daily lack of energy, lethargy, brain fog, weakness, heaviness, tiredness, that is not relieved with sleep, says American Lung Association Volunteer Medical Spokesperson Jamie Garfield, M.D. Fatigue can be long lasting and severe. Whereas tiredness is common, and everyone experiences it at some point, it is predictable, and it is relieved with sleep.
Chronic lung disease, such as COPD, can cause extreme fatigue because your body is working so much harder to accomplish basic bodily functions like breathing compared to those without lung disease. COPD-related fatigue, for example, can be caused by factors such as oxygen deprivation, overall reduced strength and endurance and complications or comorbidities such as heart failure or depression.
Fatigue is the second most common symptom patients with COPD report however, it remains underdiagnosed and undertreated. This is unfortunate because over time, chronic fatigue can impact physical and mental well-being. Feeling fatigue can interfere with your ability to perform daily tasks such as cooking or dressing and enjoy the fun activities in your life.
Symptoms Of Anxiety And Shortness Of Breath
Anxiety is your bodys natural fear response. This is known as the the fight-or-flight response. Your body reacts in physical and mental ways to prepare you to either fight or run from the situation.
Shortness of breath is one of those responses. You may feel like you cant catch your breath, tightness in your chest, or like youre suffocating or hungry for air.
Studies have shown a strong association between anxiety and respiratory symptoms, including shortness of breath.
Other symptoms that can occur during this response and as a result of anxiety include:
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