Shortness of breath, also called dyspnea, is a feeling of difficulty breathing or not getting enough air. It can occur at rest or with activity. Shortness of breath is a common symptom and can range from mild to severe.
Most of the time, shortness of breath is not a sign of anything serious. It can be caused by minor conditions like anxiety, being out of shape, or respiratory infections. But in some cases, shortness of breath can indicate an underlying medical problem that needs treatment.
What causes shortness of breath?
There are many possible causes of shortness of breath, including:
- Asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Pneumonia or bronchitis
- Heart problems like heart failure or heart attack
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs)
- Anemia or low red blood cell count
- Obesity
- Deconditioning from being immobile or sedentary
- Anxiety or panic attacks
- Allergic reaction
- Respiratory muscle weakness
Shortness of breath can also be a side effect of certain medications. In some cases, the cause may not be identified.
What are the symptoms of serious shortness of breath?
Pay attention to any of these warning signs along with shortness of breath:
- Sudden onset – Breathing difficulty that comes on very quickly, within minutes or hours
- Severe shortness of breath – Feeling like you cannot get enough air no matter how hard you breathe
- Wheezing – High-pitched whistling sound when breathing
- Coughing up blood – Caused by bleeding in the lungs or airways
- Chest pain – Especially if it gets worse with breathing
- Rapid heart rate – Over 100 beats per minute
- Blue lips or fingers – A sign of low oxygen levels
- Feeling very anxious or confused – Can indicate a serious problem
- Fever and chills – Could mean a lung infection
If shortness of breath is accompanied by any of these red flags, seek medical care right away as it could indicate a medical emergency.
When to see a doctor for shortness of breath
You should make an appointment or urgent care visit for shortness of breath if:
- It comes on suddenly and severely
- It occurs with chest pain, fever, cough, or weakness
- It gets progressively worse over time
- It interferes with your daily activities
- Inhalers or home remedies don’t help
- You have risk factors like smoking or heart disease
Seeking timely medical attention is crucial to properly diagnose and treat the underlying cause. Call 911 or go to the ER right away if you have any emergency warning signs like trouble breathing, chest pain, blue lips or fingers, or mental confusion.
What will the doctor do?
To evaluate shortness of breath, the doctor will:
- Take your full medical history
- Ask about your symptoms and any triggers
- Perform a physical exam of your lungs, heart, abdomen
- Listen to your breathing with a stethoscope
- Check your oxygen levels with a pulse oximeter device
- Order diagnostic tests like:
- Chest x-ray
- CT scan of the chest
- Lung function tests (spirometry)
- EKG
- Echocardiogram
- Blood tests
Based on the exam and test findings, your doctor will diagnose the cause and recommend appropriate treatment.
How is shortness of breath treated?
Treatment will depend on the underlying cause, but may include:
- Medications – Bronchodilators for lung diseases, antibiotics for infections, diuretics for heart failure, blood thinners for blood clots, etc.
- Oxygen therapy – For low oxygen levels
- CPAP – For sleep apnea
- Surgery – To remove blockages or excess fluid in the lungs
- Pulmonary rehabilitation – Exercise and education program
- Treating the underlying condition – Such as heart disease, kidney failure, thyroid disorder
- Lifestyle changes – Smoking cessation, weight loss, exercise
- Breathing exercises and techniques – Pursed lip breathing, diaphragmatic breathing
If anxiety is causing shortness of breath, cognitive behavioral therapy, anti-anxiety medication, and relaxation techniques may help.
Home remedies for shortness of breath
You can try these home remedies to get temporary relief from shortness of breath:
- Sit down and rest in a comfortable position
- Loosen any tight clothing
- Open a window for fresh air
- Use a fan to blow air directly on your face
- Try pursed lip breathing – breathe in through your nose and exhale slowly through pursed lips
- Practice diaphragmatic breathing – breathe with your diaphragm, not your chest
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
- Use a humidifier
- Take an expectorant to loosen mucus if congested
- Avoid triggers like smoke,dust, or exercise that makes symptoms worse
But see a doctor if symptoms persist despite home treatment. Don’t try to just manage worsening shortness of breath at home without seeking medical evaluation.
How can I prevent shortness of breath?
You may be able to reduce episodes of shortness of breath by:
- Treating any underlying lung conditions
- Quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke
- Losing excess weight if obese
- Exercising regularly to improve cardiovascular fitness
- Avoiding triggers like dust, pollen, smoke
- Using inhalers or medications as prescribed
- Getting vaccinated, especially for flu and pneumonia
- Managing related conditions like heart disease, anemia, anxiety
- Drinking enough fluids
- Using supplemental oxygen if levels are chronically low
Have regular check-ups and report any new or worsening shortness of breath to your doctor.
When to call 911 for shortness of breath
Seek emergency medical care by calling 911 or going to the ER if you experience:
- Sudden, severe shortness of breath
- Inability to speak more than a few words due to breathing difficulty
- Chest pain or tightness
- Coughing or vomiting blood
- Blue lips, fingers, or skin
- Feeling like you are about to pass out
- Confusion or anxiety
- Extreme dizziness or weakness
Severe shortness of breath requires immediate medical treatment and can be life-threatening without urgent care. So call 911 or emergency services right away if you have any of the above emergency symptoms.
Shortness of breath FAQs
Why do I feel short of breath for no reason?
Unexplained shortness of breath can be caused by:
- Undiagnosed asthma or COPD
- Anxiety, panic attacks
- Anemia from low iron
- Obesity putting pressure on the lungs
- Deconditioning from being inactive
- Heart problems like arrhythmias
- Acid reflux irritating the airways
See your doctor to determine the cause, especially if symptoms are persistent.
Is shortness of breath a sign of COVID-19?
Shortness of breath can be a symptom of COVID-19, especially if accompanied by cough, fever, or fatigue. Other coronavirus signs include headache, sore throat, and loss of taste or smell. Get tested if you think you may have been exposed.
Can anxiety cause shortness of breath everyday?
Yes, anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder can cause frequent or even constant shortness of breath. The breathlessness is typically worse during panic attacks. Relaxation techniques, therapy, and anti-anxiety medication can help.
Can vaping cause shortness of breath?
Yes, using e-cigarettes and vaping can cause shortness of breath that worsens over time. The inhaled chemicals and flavorings irritate the airways. This lung damage can lead to breathing difficulty. Quitting vaping is recommended to prevent permanent lung injury.
| Symptom | Low Risk | High Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Onset | Gradual | Sudden |
| Severity | Mild | Severe |
| Triggers | Exertion, allergy | Occurs at rest |
| Duration | Temporary | Persistent, worsening |
| Other symptoms | None | Chest pain, cough, fever |
Conclusion
In summary, mild shortness of breath that occurs only with activity is usually not a major concern. But seek prompt medical care for sudden or unexplained shortness of breath, especially if accompanied by other worrisome symptoms. Call 911 right away for any severe breathing difficulty. With an accurate diagnosis, most causes of shortness of breath can be effectively treated.