Dizziness, shortness of breath, and numbness in the hands and feet—what are the causes?
Nov 08, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ren Yi
Introduction
Dizziness, shortness of breath, and numbness in the hands and feet may be caused by emotional fluctuations, poor posture, vigorous exercise, anemia, cervical spondylosis, and other factors. Corresponding improvement methods can be selected based on different situations. If a person is overly tense, excited, or experiences significant emotional fluctuations, it can easily lead to central nervous system excitement, resulting in oxygen deficiency and symptoms such as dizziness, numbness in the limbs, chest tightness, and possibly difficulty breathing.
Dizziness, shortness of breath, and numbness in the hands and feet may be caused by emotional fluctuations, poor posture, strenuous exercise, anemia, cervical spondylosis, and other factors. Corresponding improvement methods can be selected according to different situations. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Emotional fluctuations: Excessive tension, excitement, or significant emotional fluctuations can easily lead to central nervous system excitation, causing hypoxia, which manifests as dizziness, numbness in hands and feet, chest tightness, and possibly shortness of breath. It is recommended to calm emotions and adjust mood promptly; discomfort symptoms will gradually subside.
2. Poor posture: Maintaining poor posture for long periods, such as looking down at a mobile phone for extended periods or slouching, can easily compress nerves, leading to dizziness and numbness in hands and feet. It is recommended to maintain proper posture and avoid prolonged bending of the head or waist. Simple neck stretching exercises, such as tilting the head backward, can be performed.
3. Strenuous exercise: During intense physical activity, cerebral blood supply may relatively decrease, possibly causing dizziness and increased respiratory rate, which may lead to shortness of breath. Lactic acid stimulation of nerve endings can cause numbness in the hands and feet. It is recommended to engage in appropriate cool-down activities after exercise, such as slow walking and stretching exercises. During exercise, progress should be gradual, avoiding sudden exertion.
4. Anemia: Anemia may be related to factors such as nutritional deficiency and environmental influences. A reduction in the number of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood leads to insufficient oxygen delivery, causing dizziness and shortness of breath. Peripheral areas such as the hands and feet may become numb due to hypoxia. It is recommended to take iron supplements as directed by a physician, such as ferrous sulfate sustained-release tablets or ferrous fumarate tablets, to improve the condition of anemia.
5. Cervical spondylosis: Degenerative changes in the cervical intervertebral discs and cervical bone spurs may lead to cervical spondylosis, manifesting as pain in the neck, shoulder, arm, and precordial regions. Protruding cervical vertebrae may compress sympathetic nerves, potentially causing dyspnea, dizziness, fatigue, arm numbness, and possibly muscle atrophy. Patients may take medications such as chlorzoxazone tablets or eperisone hydrochloride tablets as directed by a physician to improve symptoms.
In daily life, it is recommended to take appropriate protective measures. If discomfort occurs, timely medical attention is advised, with treatment conducted under a physician's guidance based on actual circumstances.
