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Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath, also known as dyspnea, is a common symptom characterized by difficulty breathing or feeling like you can’t get enough air. It can range from mild to severe and may occur suddenly or develop gradually over time.
Causes
| Disease with Shortness of Breath | Examples/Details |
|---|---|
| Mediastinal | Retrosternal goiter, Thymoma, Hiatal hernia, Enlarged lymph nodes, Aortic aneurysm |
| Airways/Lungs | Larynx: Foreign body, spasm, edema; Bronchi: Asthma bronchiale, Bronchial carcinoma, Pertussis, Pneumonia, Bronchitis, Tuberculosis, Pneumothorax, Emphysema, Pulmonary fibrosis, Pneumoconiosis, Pleural effusion |
| Cardiovascular | Heart failure, Myocardial infarction, Pericarditis, Pericardial effusion, Valve disease, Arrhythmias, Pulmonary embolism |
| Extrathoracic | Anemia, Hypoxemia, Obesity, Pregnancy, Metabolic acidosis, Uremia, Fever, Hyperthyroidism, Central respiratory center disorder, Intoxication, Psychogenic, Hyperventilation syndrome, Effort syndrome |
The most common causes of shortness of breath include:
- Asthma
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Pneumonia
- Heart conditions (e.g., heart attack, heart failure)
- Anxiety or panic attacks
- Obesity
- Lack of physical fitness
Less common but serious causes may include:
- Pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs)
- Pneumothorax (collapsed lung)
- Anemia
- Interstitial lung disease
Symptoms
Shortness of breath may be accompanied by:
- Chest tightness or pain
- Rapid, shallow breathing
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
Diagnosis
To determine the underlying cause, a doctor may:
- Perform a physical examination
- Order blood tests
- Conduct pulmonary function tests
- Request imaging studies (e.g., chest X-ray, CT scan)
- Measure oxygen levels using pulse oximetry
Treatment
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include:
- Medications (e.g., inhaled bronchodilators, corticosteroids)
- Oxygen therapy
- Pulmonary rehabilitation
- Lifestyle changes (e.g., quitting smoking, weight loss)
- Breathing exercises and relaxation techniques
For immediate relief:
- Sit in a forward-leaning position
- Practice pursed-lip breathing
- Use a fan to blow cool air on your face