I have shortness of breath on exertion with muscle weakness. Why?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have shortness of breath on exertion and episodic mild muscle weakness for about one year. It worsens with fatigue and particularly ptosis. Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com

I saw the chest x-ray posteroanterior and lateral views (attachment removed to protect patient identity).

The findings are,

1. There are mildly prominent lung markings in the bilateral mid and lower zones. The upper zones are clear bilaterally.

2. There is no pleural effusion.

3. The cardiac size is normal.

4. The retrosternal space is normal.

5. The posterior costophrenic recess is free.

The above findings can be due to mildly hyperactive airways. HRCT chest scan may be done if there are abnormalities in lung function tests. Please avoid any pollution area or dust exposure. For muscle weakness and ptosis, please get tested to know if you are having myasthenia gravis, the most common cause for ptosis and muscle weakness.