Overview
Shortness of breath, medically called dyspnea, is the feeling of not getting enough air. It can be acute (sudden) or chronic (ongoing), and ranges from mild to severe.
Common Causes
Lung Conditions
- Asthma
- COPD (emphysema, chronic bronchitis)
- Pneumonia
- Pulmonary embolism (blood clot in lung)
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- COVID-19
Heart Conditions
- Heart failure
- Heart attack
- Arrhythmias
- Cardiomyopathy
Other Causes
- Anxiety/panic attacks
- Anemia (low red blood cells)
- Obesity
- Deconditioning (being out of shape)
- High altitude
- Allergic reactions
Emergency Warning Signs
- Severe breathing difficulty at rest
- Chest pain with breathing
- Blue lips or fingertips
- Confusion or altered mental state
- High-pitched breathing sound (stridor)
Diagnostic Tests
Lung Function
- Spirometry: Measures how much air you can breathe in and out
- Pulse oximetry: Measures blood oxygen levels
- Arterial blood gas: Detailed oxygen/CO2 analysis
- Chest X-ray or CT scan: Visualizes lung structure
- Pulmonary function tests (PFTs): Comprehensive lung assessment
Heart Tests
- Echocardiogram: Heart ultrasound
- BNP blood test: Heart failure marker
- ECG: Heart rhythm
Blood Tests
- CBC: Check for anemia, infection
- D-dimer: Blood clot screening
- Troponin: Heart damage
Treatment Options
Medications
- Bronchodilators: Albuterol for asthma/COPD
- Inhaled steroids: Reduce airway inflammation
- Diuretics: Remove fluid for heart failure
- Anticoagulants: Eliquis, Warfarin for clots
- Antibiotics: For pneumonia
- Antihistamines: Zyrtec, Claritin for allergies
Non-Drug Treatments
- Oxygen therapy
- Pulmonary rehabilitation
- Cardiac rehabilitation
- Weight loss if obese
- Breathing exercises
- Anxiety management