Struggling to breathe can be a scary situation. If you’ve been finding it harder and harder to get your breath back after simple exertion, such as climbing the stairs, or if you have been experiencing breathing difficulties at other times, such as sleeping, you might benefit from seeing a physician.
“Not being able to get enough oxygen can be a very frightening experience. If you have been having breathing problems, come in and let us take a look,” said Advance ER physician Dr. Alexander Lee.
What are the symptoms?
Low oxygen levels can result in fatigue, headaches, dizziness, blurred vision and confusion. If left untreated, low oxygen levels can cause serious damage to organs and muscles, including damage the heart.
What could be the cause?
There can be many different reasons why you are struggling to breathe. Diseases such as COPD, emphysema and lung disease are common reasons for breathing difficulties. Other conditions such as asthma, anemia, apnea, pneumonia or even a blood clot in the artery of the lung could be the culprit. “We have tests that can help us determine where the problem originates,” said Dr. Lee, “But first we work to get the patient breathing more at ease.”
Do I need a pulmonologist?
If you and your Advance ER physician determine that you need a specialized consultation with a pulmonologist, our SPECIALIST NOW℠ services allow access to a specialist within minutes of placing a call. “We’ll work with you to make sure you get a proper, personalized diagnosis and then we’ll go from there,” said Dr. Lee.
Y’know, maybe I’m ok.
Since many breathing difficulties come and go, it is often easy to ignore the symptoms and just keep going. “Long-term damage can be done by ignoring a condition causing shortness of breath,” said Dr. Lee. At Advance ER, our two convenient locations and our 24/7 availability makes finding health care faster and easier when you need it. Call us today for more information and let us help with your breathing concerns.
Meet Dr. Alexander Lee:
Alexander Lee, M.D., is board-certified in gastroenterology and internal medicine. He received his medical degree from Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, and has been practicing in Dallas for almost a decade. With an emphasis on open communication, Dr. Lee treats his patients with comprehensive care.
