Shortness of Breath

What is shortness of breath?

Shortness of breath, also called dyspnea, is a condition that makes it difficult to get enough air, hard to breathe, and challenging to get adequate amounts of oxygen. It’s often a symptom of a lung or heart problem, but other conditions can cause dyspnea. 

Acute shortness of breath appears quickly and may last for hours or days, while chronic dyspnea lasts weeks or longer and is typically ongoing.

Determining the root cause and treating shortness of breath with the help of the Southwest Pulmonary Associates specialists can help you avoid complications linked to breathlessness. 

What are the symptoms of shortness of breath?

Shortness of breath is often characterized by:

• Needing to breathe deeply
• Chest pain
• Chest tightness
• Working hard to take a deep breath
• Wheezing
• Rapid breathing
• Rapid heart rate

Exercising or even completing simple activities of daily living might be difficult because of shortness of breath.

What are the risk factors for shortness of breath?

Shortness of breath risk factors include:

• Heart problems
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Allergies
• Asthma
• Pneumonia
• Respiratory illnesses (flu, COVID-19, bronchitis, etc.)
• Pulmonary hypertension 
• Fluid, inflammation, or scarring in the lungs
• Pulmonary embolism
• Lung cancer
• Other lung problems
• Anemia
• Anxiety
• Some medications
• Obesity
• Lack of regular exercise
• Sleep apnea
• History of smoking

Determining the underlying cause of shortness of breath helps the Southwest Pulmonary Associates team create an effective treatment plan.

How is the cause of shortness of breath diagnosed?

Diagnosing shortness of breath and its cause requires a review of your medical history and symptoms, a physical exam, and diagnostic tests. Your provider listens to your lungs and checks your blood pressure, pulse, and other vital signs. 

You might need chest X-rays, CT scanning, other imaging procedures, blood tests, lung function tests, and cardiopulmonary exercise testing using a treadmill or stationary bike. 

How is shortness of breath treated?

Your personalized treatment plan for shortness of breath may consist of:

• Regular exercise
• Diet changes
• Healthy weight management
• Relaxation techniques 
• Bronchodilators 
• Medications
• Oxygen therapy
• Avoiding inhaling chemicals
• Not smoking
• Breathing exercises
• Treating underlying medical conditions

You might take medications or undergo a medical procedure to better manage the underlying cause of shortness of breath, including illnesses, allergies, asthma, and other lung or heart conditions.

Schedule an evaluation at Southwest Pulmonary Associates by phone or request one online today if you struggle with shortness of breath.