Breathing problem - headache?

Richard said:

I hope someone here can help me.

The last couple of years I have become aware of a
constant, slight, dull sensation at my left temple - more
annoying than anything else - associated with my often
shallow, rapid breathing. What concerns me the most is the
temporary mental decline concomitant with each episode:
while I quickly recover, especially with vigorous
exercise, I worry about the possibility of some residual
permanence.

If the problem is innocuous, I will ignore it, as it
really bothers me very little. But I am somewhat concerned
about the long-term effects of oxygen starvation, if any.
Can anyone advise me? And I am particularly interested in
why the sensation is only ever on the left side: perhaps
that has some significance?

What does your doctor say?

--
Transpose hotmail and mxsmanic in my e-mail address to reach
me directly.

Richard said:

I hope someone here can help me.

The last couple of years I have become aware of a
constant, slight, dull sensation at my left temple - more
annoying than anything else - associated with my often
shallow, rapid breathing. What concerns me the most is the
temporary mental decline concomitant with each episode:
while I quickly recover, especially with vigorous
exercise, I worry about the possibility of some residual
permanence.

If the problem is innocuous, I will ignore it, as it
really bothers me very little. But I am somewhat concerned
about the long-term effects of oxygen starvation, if any.
Can anyone advise me? And I am particularly interested in
why the sensation is only ever on the left side: perhaps
that has some significance?

Richard

You're probably thinking too much! ;-) My mental
faculties probably decline when I have a headache too,
but I'm probably more concerned with pain relief to
worry about it. You will not starve your brain of
oxygen. If you had a significant hypoxia you would
definitely know it. Headaches are of several types--you
might look into them. Many migraines are one-sided, but
this itself has poor diagnostic significance. If this is
a long-standing problem you should get yourself checked--
not so much because the headache is a sign of something
else, but for your comfort and peace of mind.

Steve

--
Mark & Steven Bornfeld DDS
Brooklyn, NY
718-258-5001
dentaltwins.comdentaltwins.comOpen ↗

Nothing really - he's way off track - he believes it's
everything from stress to migraine. But that doesn't really
answer my question.

(Richard) said:

If the problem is innocuous, I will ignore it

Good. Ignore it, then. There's nothing wrong with you.

Next!

Of course, you should see an MD immediately about this
problem.I am not an MD. I suggest,also, that you obtain a
"pulse oximetry" reading in the mean time during and after
your episodes. The same will determine the oxygen content of
your blood during and after your episodes. If the reading is
below 95%, then you are having oxygenation problems and
require supplemental oxygen. A "pulse oximeter" is simply a
little device that is put on your index finger for a short
period of time. It doesn't hurt and is non-invasive. If you
desire, you can purchase a "pulse oximeter" for yourself,
over the internet, for between $300-400. However, again, I
suggest you see a physician about this matter as soon as
possible. I am not a physician. I hope that this helps a
little. Best of luck!

Mr. C.V. Compton Shaw, R.N., CLA

Richard said:

I hope someone here can help me.

The last couple of years I have become aware of a
constant, slight, dull sensation at my left temple - more
annoying than anything else - associated with my often
shallow, rapid breathing. What concerns me the most is the
temporary mental decline concomitant with each episode:
while I quickly recover, especially with vigorous
exercise, I worry about the possibility of some residual
permanence.

If the problem is innocuous, I will ignore it, as it
really bothers me very little. But I am somewhat concerned
about the long-term effects of oxygen starvation, if any.
Can anyone advise me? And I am particularly interested in
why the sensation is only ever on the left side: perhaps
that has some significance?

Richard

Aristotle said:

I am not an MD.

Clearly.

Quoted message said:

I suggest,also, that you obtain a "pulse oximetry" reading
in the mean time during and after your episodes.

Why? There is no indication that he has any sort of
respiratory problem, much less one severe enough to cause
hypoxia. Have you ever seen someone who's hypoxic? Believe
me, they don't put up with it for two years, and then post
on Usenet about their "annoying" problem.

Quoted message said:

The same will determine the oxygen content of your blood
during and after your episodes. If the reading is below
95%, then you are having oxygenation problems and require
supplemental oxygen.

A pulse ox reading of 95% hardly qualifies one for
supplemental oxygen! That's practically *normal*.

Quoted message said:

If you desire, you can purchase a "pulse oximeter" for
yourself, over the internet, for between $300-400.

Better yet, just send *me* the money. I promise to put it to
better use.

Quoted message said:

However, again, I suggest you see a physician about this
matter as soon as possible.

Or not.

Aristotle said:

Of course, you should see an MD immediately about this
problem.I am not an MD. I suggest,also, that you obtain a
"pulse oximetry" reading in the mean time during and after
your episodes. The same will determine the oxygen content
of your blood during and after your episodes. If the
reading is below 95%, then you are having oxygenation
problems and require supplemental oxygen.

Not counting the nutcases, this is one of the most blatantly
incompetent pieces of advice I've ever seen delivered here.

Quoted message said:

A "pulse oximeter" is simply a little device that is put on
your index finger for a short period of time. It doesn't
hurt and is non-invasive. If you desire, you can purchase a
"pulse oximeter" for yourself, over the internet, for
between $300-400.

Now you're competing with the nutcases. Well, either that or
you're a pulse ox salesman.