How can I manage nausea and exercise-related breathlessness?

Question

Hello doctor,

A couple of weeks ago, I went to the hospital having breathlessness and a tingly feeling in my left arm and side. I was told my heart and everything else were fine.

My anxiety and stress were causing it. I started working out recently and sometimes feel lightheaded and nauseous after the workout. I do not know if this is caused due to working out on an empty stomach.

When should I eat before working out, or is it normal to feel such symptoms after working out?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

As per your complaints, the doctor must have done ECG (electrocardiogram), which must have been normal. If an ECG was not done, I would suggest getting an ECG done when you do not have symptoms so that it can be used to compare the one taken when you have some symptoms again.

Also, I would suggest getting tested for blood sugar which might be the reason for lightheadedness. Drinking enough water is good. If you eat before the workout, then after some time, you can start working out, and if you are not eating enough as per your routine, you can go for a shorter gap, like 60 to 90 minutes or so, before starting exercise.

Lastly, anxiety and stress could cause your problem, so if you have recently started doing workouts, the body takes time to adapt. Therefore, I suggest not going for intense exercise in your regimen very soon.

I hope this helps you.

Thankyou

Thank you.