Shortness of breath, also known as dyspnea, is the uncomfortable sensation of not getting enough air to breathe. It can come on suddenly or slowly over weeks to months, and it may be accompanied by other symptoms such as chest pain or pressure, fainting, nausea, or swelling in the feet and ankles. Most cases of shortness of breath are due to heart or lung conditions, as the heart and lungs are involved in transporting oxygen to the tissues and removing carbon dioxide. However, there are other possible causes of shortness of breath, including:
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Asthma flare-up
- Pneumonia
- Pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs)
- Emotional distress or a panic attack
- Obesity
- High altitude
- Extreme temperature change
- Deconditioning
- Anaphylaxis
- Sudden blood loss
- Upper airway obstruction (blockage in the breathing passage)
- Various types of pulmonary fibrosis or pulmonary hypertension
If your breathing has become labored and difficult for no obvious reason, it may be a sign of a more serious medical problem, and you should consult your doctor immediately. If your shortness of breath is severe or comes on suddenly, you should treat it as a medical emergency and seek immediate medical attention. However, most cases of shortness of breath are manageable with appropriate medication, breathing techniques, and exercise. If you have a condition that makes you short of breath often, talk to your healthcare provider about managing your symptoms and improving your quality of life.
