Shortness Of Breath

Shortness of breath can have many different causes, as it is a symptom of a variety of other medical issues such as heart and lung conditions. If you have acute dyspnea, it only lasts for up to a few days, unlike chronic dyspnea which lasts longer than three to six months.

Causes of acute shortness of breath include allergies, anxiety, choking, infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia, injuries, medications, extreme temperatures, carbon monoxide poisoning, pulmonary embolism (blood clot in your lungs), and heart attacks. Causes of chronic shortness of breath include asthma, as this narrows your airways and causes difficulty breathing, and heart failure, since this causes heart muscle strain and affects the ability to pump blood. Other causes include lung disease, obesity, and poor fitness.

To determine what is causing your shortness of breath, your doctor may order a variety of tests. They will begin with a physical exam to see if your dyspnea is caused by a virus or infection. Once this is complete, they may conduct other tests such as pulse oximetry, chest X-ray, CT scans, blood tests, lung function tests, and cardiopulmonary exercise tests, also known as stress tests. These tests help your doctor discover if there is an underlying medical condition contributing to your shortness of breath.

Treatment for your shortness of breath will depend on what condition is causing it. Your treatment may include lifestyle changes such as increasing physical activity to strengthen your heart and lungs. This is not limited to just exercise, but also cardiac or pulmonary rehabilitation. Your doctor may also suggest that you learn breathing techniques to facilitate better airflow.

Other treatments your doctor may deem necessary include prescribed medications such as bronchodilators, which are inhaled drugs like albuterol that relax your airways and allow for easier breathing. This form of medication is common with conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Other medications include pain and anxiety medicines which can ease breathlessness.

Another form of treatment that may be recommended is oxygen therapy, where you receive additional oxygen through either a mask or a tube placed in the nostrils to help you breathe more comfortably. Before you can receive this treatment, your blood oxygen levels must be measured by your doctor and determined to be below the necessary point.

Signs that you may be experiencing shortness of breath include difficulty breathing, noisy breathing, fast and shallow breaths, an increase in your pulse rate, wheezing, chest tightening and chest pain, pale or bluish skin, and cold or clammy skin. If you experience chest tightness or pain in your chest area, it may be a sign that you are having a heart attack. Call 911 immediately if you believe this is the case.