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Dear Ask The Doctor: I am an avid tennis player and exercise regularly. Three weeks ago on the tennis court, after one set, I had severe shortness of breath, leg fatigue and dizziness. I had been experiencing back pain. Getting concerned about my health, my doctor made me go to the emergency room. There they performed mumerous blood tests, xrays and breathing stats. They found out I was anemic; gave me two blood transfusions and admitted me to the hospital. The next day the cardioglist said there was nothing wrong with my heart and was awaiting a consult from a gasrologist. So what can the severe shortness of breathe and anemia be a sign of?
Dear Karen: Definitely a sign that your iron levels are low. Its the anemia causing the shortness of breath and fatigue. The doctor will let you know about maybe having to take iron pills etc. This is a very common problem in many racket sport athletes. I dont know what your diet is like but i would definitely start including foods such as: clams, oysters, chicken liver, clams to name a few as they are very rich in iron. Hope this helps |
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Last Updated ( Friday, 04 February 2011 )
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