All about shortness of breath

Shortness of breath is the subjective feeling of not getting enough air when breathing. There are many reasons why someone might be short of breath, ranging from psychological conditions to pathological illnesses of a cardiopulmonary nature. In this article, a respected general practitioner goes through common causes of shortness of breath, and how it can be managed.

What does shortness of breath feel like?

Shortness of breath, also known as dyspnoea, feels like the air taken in with inhaling is not adequate. It can be accompanied by wheezing, a palpitating heart, and feelings of panic, all of which can further exacerbate the sensation. Though it may occur in innocuous contexts (for example, getting scared by a friendly prank), it can be indicative of more serious conditions, and if episodes are prolonged, they can lead to choking, chest pain, swelling limbs, blueing extremities, and loss of consciousness – in this situation, emergency medical services will be necessitated.

What are the reasons for shortness of breath?

There are two types of shortness of breath: acute, which means episodes that are suddenly occurring and can last between a few hours to days; and chronic, which means episodes that are long-lasting, such as for weeks or longer.

Acute shortness of breath can be caused by:

• anaphylaxis (allergic reaction)
• asthma
• COVID-19
• pneumonia or other lung infections
• anxiety and panic attacks
• a history of smoking
• pulmonary embolism
• blockage in the airways (choking)
• blunt force trauma or injuries to the chest
• heart attacks

Chronic shortness of breath can be caused by:

• asthma
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• heart dysfunction
• obesity
• lung cancer
• heart failure
• angina
• coronary artery disease

Chronic shortness of breath is likely to be a symptom of more serious cardiopulmonary ailments like lung diseases and cardiac arrhythmia. Thus, it should be assessed by a doctor for a formal diagnosis and treatment. Without sufficient air and oxygen in the body, the organs cannot function properly, which will result in eventual organ failure and possibly death.

How is shortness of breath treated?

Treatment for shortness of breath will depend on the diagnosis. As part of the diagnosis process, a doctor will do a physical exam and inquire about the patient’s personal and familial medical history, and may also do additional tests. This can include blood tests, bronchoscopies, cardiopulmonary exercise tests (CPET), echocardiography, CT coronary angiograms, and stress echocardiography.

To help manage shortness of breath, there are some lifestyle adaptations that patients can consider, especially if not caused by a serious illness. It is recommended to exercise more so that the muscles, heart, and lungs are strengthened and the anaerobic threshold is increased. For patients with anxiety disorders or dispositions, managing stress by learning breathing techniques and relaxation practices can help counteract dyspnoea – this can be aided with counselling. Patients with asthma and COPD can be prescribed inhalers to help relax the muscles around the airway and let more air in. Smokers are encouraged to cease in order to mitigate dyspnoea, as well as other conditions.

If you are having consistent breathing issues, consult with a specialist today via Top Doctors.