Why does shortness of breath take place?
Few sensations are as frightening as not being able to get enough air. Shortness of breath is medically known as dyspnea.
It is often described as an intense tightening in the chest, air hunger, difficulty breathing, breathlessness or a feeling of suffocation.
Very strenuous exercise, extreme temperatures, obesity and higher altitude all can cause shortness of breath in a healthy person. Outside of these examples, shortness of breath is likely a sign of a medical problem.
If you have unexplained shortness of breath, especially if it comes on suddenly and is severe, see your doctor as soon as possible.
Causes
Most cases of shortness of breath are due to heart or lung conditions. Your heart and lungs are involved in transporting oxygen to your tissues.
Shortness of breath that comes on suddenly (called acute) has a limited number of causes, including:
- Anaphylaxis
- Asthma
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Cardiac tamponade
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation
- Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
- Heart attack
- Heart arrhythmia
- Heart failure
- Pneumonia
- Pneumothorax
- Pulmonary embolism
- Upper airway obstruction
In the case of shortness of breath that has lasted for weeks or longer (called chronic), the condition is most often due to:
- Asthma
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Deconditioning
- Heart dysfunction
- Interstitial lung disease
- Obesity
- Pleural effusion (accumulation of fluid around the lungs)
A number of other health conditions also can make it hard to get enough air. These include:
Lung problems
- Croup
- Lung cancer
- Pleurisy
- Pulmonary edema
- Sarcoidosis
- Tuberculosis
Heart problems
- Cardiomyopathy
- Heart failure
- Pericarditis
Other problems
- Anemia
- Anxiety disorders
- Broken ribs
- Foreign object inhaled
- Epiglottitis
- Guillain-Barre syndrome etc
When to see a doctor
Call your local emergency number or have someone drive you to the emergency room if you experience severe shortness of breath that comes on suddenly and affects your ability to function.
Seek emergency medical care if your shortness of breath is accompanied by chest pain, fainting, nausea, a bluish tinge to lips or nails, or a change in mental alertness — as these may be signs of a heart attack or pulmonary embolism.
Make an appointment with your doctor if your shortness of breath is accompanied by:
- Swelling in your feet and ankles
- Trouble breathing when you lie flat
- High fever, chills and cough
- Wheezing
- Worsening of preexisting shortness of breath
Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/shortness-of-breath/basics/definition/sym-20050890
