I am a 58-yr old female, with a tooth abscess of a root-canaled, crowned tooth for over a year now, and have been self-draining the gum boils when they appear.  I went for several months without pain and thought it had healed.  However, the infection continues.  I have been in the process of moving, changing jobs, and dealing with lots of stress, so I have put off going to a dentist.  I have always been active, though, (former runner, etc.) and have noticed shortness of breath-- particularly when carrying a load upstairs--that is totally uncharacteristic of me.  My doctor thinks its asthma, but Im wondering if the long-term abscess is to blame for the SOB.  What do you think?
Thanks for your query, I have gone through your query. The abscess could be because of improperly treated root canal or secondary to gum infection. The abscess is not related to your breathlessness. Consult an oral physician and take radiograph of that tooth to confirm the pathology and if there is any defect then redo the RCT or if gum infection is there then take a course of antibiotics and cleaning can be done. I hope my answer will help you. Take care.