Category: ask-the-doctor

ask-the-doctor

Ask The Doctor: Diagnosing Cause of Shortness of Breath

For the past two months I have experienced increased shortness of breath. I have chronic asthma, but there’s concern the shortness of breath could be caused by a blockage in heart. I have experienced difficulties in the past when anesthetized. Is there an effective alternative to heart catheterization? I’ve read about a new CT scan ? is it recommended?

Content restricted. Requires subscription

Ask The Doctor: Symptoms of TIA

I recently went to visit my mother, who is 68 now. While I was there she had an episode where she began to have difficulty talking, like she was drunk or something. She also became clumsy and could not move around very well; it looked like she couldn?t use her left side. This all came on suddenly as we were eating breakfast, but resolved after about 30 minutes. My mother denied anything was wrong, and told me that these episodes have been happening every few days over the last three to four weeks, but they always resolve and that is why she is not seeking help. She has some trouble with her blood pressure being high, but no other health issues. What could these episodes be? What should she do if it happens again — should she seek immediate help, go see her family doctor, or wait to see if they resolve again?

Content restricted. Requires subscription