What could cause breathlessness and fatigue in me at 19?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 19 years old, 5.7 feet tall, and weigh 141 pounds. I have been experiencing breathlessness and fatigue for over a year now, and it is really affecting my day-to-day activities.

I use Franol tablets, or sometimes eat onions, which help with my breathlessness. I am currently visiting a doctor and undergoing tests (spirometry, X-ray, ECG), but I have not yet been diagnosed.

Previously, I had a heart trauma, but I do not feel any pain anymore.

Please guide me.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you for your detailed query.

Chronic breathlessness and fatigue lasting over a year suggest a persistent respiratory or cardiac condition. Since you are currently undergoing spirometry and an ECG (electrocardiogram), this is a good step forward in the diagnostic process.

You mentioned using Franol (a combination of Theophylline and Ephedrine), which is typically prescribed for asthma or chronic obstructive Pulmonary disease (COPD). If it provides some relief, this may suggest reversible airway obstruction, such as asthma.

The improvement you notice with onions may be coincidental or possibly related to their anti-inflammatory compounds, such as quercetin. However, this is not a reliable or medically established treatment for breathlessness.

Given your age and history of heart trauma (although you are currently pain-free), it is important to rule out any underlying structural heart or lung issues, especially if the trauma involves the chest, ribs, or lungs. Hope I have addressed all of your queries and concerns.

Do follow up whenever needed.

Thank you.