Shortness of breath: a quick explanation

Written in association with: Dr Marco Spartera
Published:
Edited by: Aoife Maguire

Shortness of breath, or dyspnea, is a sensation of difficulty or discomfort in breathing, often described as feeling breathless, tight-chested, or unable to get enough air. Revered consultant cardiologist Dr Marco Spartera explains the causes, when to seek medical attention, and what lifestyle changes can help to manage the condition.

 

 

 

What is shortness of breath, and what does it feel like?

 

Shortness of breath is a subjective sensation of uncomfortable breathing. Patients usually describe it as 'struggling' to let enough air into your lungs, or to catch their breath. In these cases, breathing may feel challenging and difficult. In medicine, we label these symptoms as dyspnoea (from the ancient Greek from 'dyspnoos' which means 'disordered breathing').

 

What are the common causes of shortness of breath?

 

The most common causes of shortness of breath include heart failure, valve disease and cardiac arrhythmias. These conditions cause lungs to fill up with fluids hence the breathlessness. There are also other non-cardiac causes of breathlessness such as respiratory disease and blood disorders.

 

What diagnostic tests might be recommended for shortness of breath?

 

The cardiologist uses a wide array of tests to detect the causes of shortness of breath including ECG and imaging modalities (usually echocardiography and cardiac MRI).

 

Are there lifestyle changes that can help manage shortness of breath?

 

It is recommended to follow the following guidelines in order to manage shortness of breath:

 

  • Regular exercise.
  • Maintaining a healthy weight.
  • Quitting smoking.
  • Avoiding allergens and pollutants.
  • Practicing breathing exercises.
  • Staying hydrated.
  • Managing stress.
  • Maintaining good posture can help manage shortness of breath.

 

Consulting a healthcare provider for personalised advice is also important.

 

When should I seek medical attention for shortness of breath?

 

It is crucial to see a doctor for shortness of breath if it occurs suddenly, is severe, or worsens over time. Immediate care is needed if accompanied by chest pain, fainting, confusion, or blue lips.

 

Persistent or unexplained shortness of breath, especially if it interferes with daily activities, warrants a doctor's visit. It may indicate serious conditions like heart disease, asthma, or infections that require prompt management. Always consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

 

 

 

If you are concerned about shortness of breath and would like to book a consultation with Dr Spartera, do not hesitate to do so by visiting his Top Doctors profile today.

By Dr Marco Spartera
Cardiology

Dr Marco Spartera is an NHS consultant cardiologist with expertise in a diverse range of cardiovascular conditions. Oxford Cardiovascular Health Ltd (OCH) is a private clinic led by Dr Spartera which provides cardiology services in Wiltshire, Oxfordshire, and the Cotswolds. As per its name, OCH mission is not only to deliver evidence-based management of specific cardiology symptoms but to delve into their root cause of disease in order to maintain the best cardiovascular health possible.

Dr Spartera’s knowledge and dedication to his field have consistently positioned him as an emerging leading figure in the diagnosis and management of a wide array of cardiovascular conditions including chest pain, shortness of breath, dizzy spells, palpitations and atrial fibrillation, angina, valve disease, and post-stroke cardiac disease. Dr Spartera is hyper-specialised in non-invasive cardiac imaging with a particular focus on cardiovascular MRI, cardiac CT, and advanced echocardiography (trans-oesophageal echocardiography, bubble echocardiography, contrast echocardiography, 3D echocardiography, and stress echo); he resorts to different modalities to tease out the root causes of symptoms and to finalise diagnoses.

Dr Spartera routinely sees challenging cases in the acute cardiac unit or in outpatient clinics presenting an intricate mix of symptoms where a unifying cause is not apparent even after multiple medical reviews. His diagnostic skillset allows him to navigate complex cases with confidence and to eventually deliver accurate and timely assessments. He is committed to always deliver a clear cardiology plan in a compassionate and holistic fashion whilst tailoring decisions to each person’s needs and values.

Dr Spartera's academic achievements are a testament to his commitment to excellence in the medical field. He earned his doctorate D.Phil. (PhD) from the University of Oxford where he discovered a new abnormality of the heart flow (i.e. reduced left atrial vorticity) which may be a novel mechanism of cardiac embolism and heart failure. His academic journey continues at the University of Oxford where he leads 4D Flow research to assess the potential of abnormalities of the cardiac flow as biomarkers of cardiac embolism and heart failure. He is also an investigator in the LOSE-AF trial, which is a randomised controlled trial, working to investigate whether weight loss can improve the outcomes of atrial fibrillation in older overweight/obese patients with atrial fibrillation. His work on this investigation showcases his drive to contribute to the advancement of medical knowledge and enhance patient care.

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