Shortness of Breath

Shortness of breath is the persistent inability to get enough oxygen, often leaving you feeling as if you’re suffocating. And it’s a scary feeling. If you’re experiencing shortness of breath outside of normal circumstances, it may be a sign of a much larger problem, and you mustn’t ignore it. As a cardiologist, Dr. Craig Peterson of Eastern Shore Heart Center has the necessary diagnostic tools at his practice in Fairhope, Alabama to get to the bottom of your issue, allowing you to breathe easier again. If you’re struggling to get oxygen, call or book an appointment online.

Shortness of Breath Q & A

If you’ve just engaged in a strenuous activity that leaves you momentarily breathless, the issue is resolved quickly as your body works to take in the necessary oxygen. Shortness of breath, on the other hand, is characterized by the following:

A heavy feeling in your chest
A feeling of suffocating
The inability to take in a large gulp of air
Burning

Unexplained shortness of breath can be very scary, sometimes even leading to panic, which is why seeing Dr. Peterson gives you much-needed peace of mind.

The main two culprits behind shortness of breath are the lungs or the heart. Either way, shortness of breath is signaling the fact that your body isn’t getting enough oxygen, so the condition is serious. When it comes to your heart, several conditions cause shortness of breath, including:

Cardiac tamponade, or fluid around your heart
Heart failure
Heart attack

The only way to find out what’s at the root of your problem is to have Dr. Peterson test you. He can either rule out or confirm the involvement of your heart.

What tests will be performed to determine why I have shortness of breath?
If you’re experiencing shortness of breath, the first crucial step is to see Dr. Peterson. The earlier, the better because if your heart is involved, Dr. Peterson can take immediate steps to remedy the situation.

During your appointment, Dr. Peterson works with a host of assessment and diagnostic tools that help pinpoint the problem. To start, Dr. Peterson gathers information on your medical history, the extent of your shortness of breath and your lifestyle. From there, he orders a series of tests, which may include:

Treadmill stress tests
Nuclear stress test
3D echocardiogram
Ambulatory electrocardiographic (Holter) monitoring

If you’re experiencing shortness of breath, the first crucial step is to see Dr. Peterson. The earlier, the better because if your heart is involved, Dr. Peterson can take immediate steps to remedy the situation.

Treadmill stress tests
Nuclear stress test
3D echocardiogram
Ambulatory electrocardiographic (Holter) monitoring

Dr. Peterson also studies your blood to check for any signs of heart disease. Once Dr. Peterson tests you and either rules out or finds a heart problem, you can embark on a treatment plan or seek the help of another medical doctor if your heart is not causing your shortness of breath. If you’re struggling to get air, don’t wait; call Eastern Shore Heart Center or use our convenient form.

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Testimonials

He haas been there when I needed him through a couple incidents. Very easy to work with and listens to me when I call. BettyVitals Guest
Nice staff and very knowledgeablebasscatlildave
Dr Peterson & his staff are fantastic! Office very organized & smoothly run!Julia Parks

Staff is professional and friendly. At the same time efficient and responsive.Jim G.
Extremely happy with the service and care I’ve received from Dr. Peterson.Mary W.
Dr Peterson is always so professional and listens. Connie and all the others are kind and seem to care about each patientXina S.

Very professional staff and knowledgeable. Dr.Peterson is awesome. I highly recommend him.Betty D.
Everything and everyone was absolutely outstanding!Crystal K
Everyone I interacted with was friendly and sincerer about giving me quality care. I have been going there for over two years and I do not wish to change Doctors.ROBERT S.

MY recent visit went very well. PERFECT TIMING. Good report.Joyce S.
Dr. Peterson and his staff are very professional and always friendly. They care about their patients.Edwin (bub) F.
DR. PETERSON'S AND STAFF ARE INCREDIBLE THEY ARE NICE, FRIENDLY, EFFICIENT AND GO OUT OF THER WAY TO DO WHAT EVER THEY CAN TO HELP YOU WHEN YOU NEED IT.Philip D.

I required 3 tests be performed, all 3 were completed on premise in a timely manner. They were obviously scheduled as I was in and out of the office in short order. Dr. Peterson called that afternoon and we went through the results. Explains results in a easy to understand manner.In the past this would have required 3 separate trips with my previous provider. Staff are all knowledgeable and courteous.Keith K.
Very professional individuals and everything was explained in detail.JOHN S.
Nothing is unseen or undone with Dr. Peterson and his staff. Everyone there is very caring.Penny M.

My experience with Dr Peterson was very satisfactory. I was very please with how quickly I got an appointment. He and his staff were very caring and concern about finding my problem. I was very pleased with my visit.Mary K.
My visit was on schedule, professionally managed, and the sharing of the technology was gratifying. I cannot begin to express my thanks for the care I receive at this facility. I am sure if it wasn't for the care I received I would have crossed the rainbow bridge. Having Dr. Peterson as my cardiologist is indeed a blessing.Ralph L.

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