Struggling with air hunger

[Nic71]

I’ve been taking metformin for a few years now and started also taking Jardiance last spring. Over the past couple of years I’ve noticed I’m becoming more and more aware that I’m suffering from air hunger - struggling to get full lungs of air. My blood oxygen levels are also lower than normal - averaging between 92% and 95%

Has anyone else experienced the same problems?

 

[Hopeful34]

If you haven't already had this checked by a dr, then I'd suggest that you do, particularly as it's getting worse.

 

[Nic71]

If you haven't already had this checked by a dr, then I'd suggest that you do, particularly as it's getting worse.

So far I’ve seen a gastroenterologist and cardiologist for my air hunger both who have done tests on the heart and for gastric issues. Nothing found yet. I’m now waiting for a ct scan on the lungs but was thinking that maybe it’s due to meds I’m on

 

[Newlysweet]

Have you had a blood has done? Lactic acidosis is a rare side effect of metformin, and acidosis can cause air hunger. Wouldn’t account for the reduced oxygen saturations though - is your measuring equipment accurate?

 

[Newlysweet]

Blood gas, not has, sorry! Or at the very least a bicarbonate level

 

[HSSS]

I assume things like b12 and ferritin have been checked. Both are recommended to be well above the minimum lab reference for optimal health as it’s possible to be symptomatic in the lower half of the ranges and can cause air hunger. Metformin can reduce b12 levels with long term use as can some other medications like ppi (ie stomach acid reducing tablets widely used)

 

[Nic71]

Was told today that my active B12 is low so been asked to take supplements

 

[HSSS]

Was told today that my active B12 is low so been asked to take supplements

Depending on the reason for it being low different forms may be more or less appropriate. For dietary reasons oral supplements usually work well. If it’s pernious anemia or malabsorption then often injections are needed to bypass the “fault” And actually get the b12 to it’s end goal not just floating in serum unused.

It’s very good that they are testing active (usable) b12 rather than serum though. Well done that Dr. Other tests to ensure it’s reaching the cells and doing its job would be MMA (Methylmalonic acid) and homocysteine. Anti Intrinsic factor antibodies might also be checked but aren’t conclusive if negative for PA but are if positive. Perhaps something to discuss with your HCP at the next review. Folate works in tandem with b12 so hopefully they’ve checked that’s optimal too (top half of range again).