What is Shortness of Breath?
Shortness of breath is a symptom, indicating difficulty in breathing or a feeling of breathlessness. It can be a manifestation of various underlying conditions such as asthma, heart disease, or lung disorders.
When you've overexerted yourself, it's natural to become out of breath, but when it happens abruptly and unexpectedly, it's typically an indication of a medical problem. The majority of cases of shortness of breath are caused by heart or respiratory issues. The heart and lungs are essential in carrying oxygen to the tissues and removing carbon dioxide.
What are the causes of shortness of breath?
- Respiratory Infections
- Asthma
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Heart Conditions
- Anxiety and Panic Disorders
- Physical Exertion
- Obesity
- Allergies
- Environmental Factors
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Get A Second OpinionWhat are the symptoms of shortness of breath?
When a person has shortness of breath, they might feel:
- Breathlessness
- Tightness in the chest
- Unable to breathe deeply
- Suffocation
Shortness of breath can be either acute or chronic. Acute dyspnea can develop in a matter of minutes or hours. It can occur in conjunction with other symptoms such as fever, rash, or cough. When you have chronic dyspnea, everyday things like walking from room to room or standing up can make you feel restless.
When to visit a Doctor?
If you have regular shortness of breath and are awakened at night by shortness of breath or have wheezing or tightness in the throat, consult a doctor for an assessment.
Shortness of breath might be a sign of a medical emergency that necessitates rapid medical attention. If you still have trouble breathing after 30 minutes of rest, go to the hospital. Also, get emergency support if you have:
- Blue fingers or lips.
- Chest pain or heaviness
- Heart palpitations
- High fever
- Stridor
- Swollen ankles or feet
Breathlessness can be caused by a variety of reasons, and the treatment for it will vary depending on the underlying cause. If the condition persists or if you have other symptoms, consider contacting a doctor. They can assist you in finding relief and may recommend treatment for an underlying health problem.
How is shortness of breath diagnosed?
The doctor may perform one or more of the following diagnostic tests to determine why you are having shortness of breath:
- Blood Tests: Arterial blood gases and blood oxygen saturation will be measured.
- Exercise Tests: Blood pressure, heart rate, and changes in breathing rate will be measured during the exercise.
- Electrocardiogram: ECG and EKG record the electrical activity of the heart.
- Echocardiogram: Ultrasound waves are used to create a moving image of the heart and heart valves in an "echo."
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Book an AppointmentWhat are the treatments for shortness of breath?
The doctor will assist you in managing shortness of breath by identifying and addressing the underlying cause of the breathing problems. The treatment may include one or more of the following, depending on the underlying condition:
- Exercise: Improving overall physical fitness can help the heart and lungs to function better.
- Medications: In asthma and COPD, inhaled medications called bronchodilators help relax the airways. Breathlessness can be alleviated with pain or anxiety medication.
- Oxygen Therapy: Extra oxygen delivered through a mask or tube inserted into the nose can help you breathe more comfortably. This is only recommended if a doctor has determined that the blood oxygen level is low.
How can shortness of breath be prevented?
Follow the steps to prevent shortness of breath:
- Inhaling chemicals that can irritate the lungs, such as paint fumes and car exhaust, should be avoided.
- To increase breathing function, practise breathing or relaxation techniques.
- Quit smoking
- Maintain healthy weight
