OverviewPeople with shortness of breath feel as though they cannot get enough air or are "out of breath."
What is going on in the body?Shortness of breath can be due to many different causes. It is normal with strenuous activity. An affected person has the feeling of "air hunger," as though he or she cannot take in enough air. Breathing heavily may or may not make the person feel better.
What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?Healthcare professionals often ask about several things when a person has shortness of breath. These questions may include:
• when the condition started
• whether it came on suddenly or gradually
• whether it occurs at rest or only during activity
• whether it is worse when lying down or sitting up
• how many pillows the person sleeps with
• whether the person has any history of heart or lung disease
• whether the person has any other symptoms, such as fever, cough, swelling in the legs, chest pain, or anxiety
• whether anyone else in the family has shortness of breath
• whether or not the person smokes
Other questions may be asked, based on the answers to these questions and on the physical exam findings.
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
The many causes of shortness of breath can be divided into categories: exercise or other activity, especially if the person is in poor physical shape
lung conditions, such as asthma, pneumonia, chronic bronchitis, lung cancer, pulmonary edema, or emphysema
heart conditions, such as stable angina, a heart attack, congestive heart failure, or chronic mitral regurgitation
blood and blood vessel problems, such as anemia
or a pulmonary embolus
anxiety, such as from a panic disorder
too much acid in the blood, which can occur with diabetes, serious blood infections such as septicemia, salt imbalances
or severe dehydration
rapid ascent to high altitudes without allowing the body time to adjust, known as acute mountain sickness
cigarette smoking
allergies
airway obstruction, such as in a child who may have choked
on an object
What can be done to prevent the condition?
Prevention depends on the cause. For example, avoiding strenuous activity can prevent shortness of breath. Regular exercise can get a person in shape so that he or she is less likely to get short of breath with normal activity. Many cases of shortness of breath from asthma, congestive heart failure, and panic disorders can be prevented by taking medications regularly. Many cases cannot be prevented.
How is the condition diagnosed?
In some cases, the cause of shortness of breath is obvious to the healthcare professional from the history and physical exam. Usually, however, more tests are needed based on the suspected condition. Blood tests and chest x-rays are commonly performed.
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HEALTH CENTERS
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