Oxygen is the life-source for all living beings and is supplied to the body through the process of breathing. Intense physical activity demands more oxygen, so it automatically accelerates breathing. That is why, it’s natural to feel a slight shortness of breath – called Dyspnea – when one is exercising intensely, walking quickly, running, jumping, carrying heavy weight, etc. Also, at high altitudes the air is thinner as levels of oxygen available are lower, so activity at high altitudes can also cause shortness of breath.
However, when none of the above conditions exist and one is experiencing shortness of breath, it is cause for concern. It is indicative of larger health issues, and should not be ignored. There are various physiological conditions that cause shortness of breath and it’s important to be aware of them.
Causes of Shortness Breath
a) Breathing and Lungs related
Covid-19: In the present context, it’s very important to note that shortness of breath is a prominent symptom of Covid-19
Asthma and chronic bronchitis
Blockage in the breathing passage
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD
Lung cancer
Excess fluid in the lungs
Inflammation of the membrane surrounding the lungs
Pulmonary hypertension
Pulmonary fibrosis
Tuberculosis
Sarcoidosis
Inhaling foreign objects, common in children
Interstitial lung disease
Collapsed lung
Pneumonia and lung infections
Blood clot in an artery in the lung
Fungal infections such as coccidiomycosis, blastomycosis, aspergillosis
Also Read: Difficulty in breathing – What it could mean and emergency response[1]
b) Heart-related
Heart attack
Irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia
Heart failure[2]
Cardiomyopathy or a problem with the heart muscle
Pericarditis or an inflammation of the layer around the heart
Obesity[3], as it puts a strain on the heart’s ability to pump blood
c) Environment related
Carbon mono-oxide poisoning from exposure to smoke
Occupational toxicities such as minerals from mines, dust from quarries, chemicals from factories
Air pollution in the city
Allergies and allergic reactions to pollen and mold
d) Other ailments and conditions
Anemia
Anxiety disorders
Guillain-Barre syndrome
Broken ribs and traumatic lung injury caused by an accident
Epiglottitis or swelling of the “lid” of your windpipe
Kyphoscoliosis which is a deformity in the chest wall
Myasthenia gravis which causes muscle weakness
Pregnancy
A severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis
Sudden blood loss due to an accident
History of smoking
Radiation therapy[4] for cancer
Nervous system diseases, such as paralysis
Acidosis, such as from salicylate overdose (aspirin)
Toxicity from drugs given for other ailments
Hypotension or low BP
Symptoms of Shortness Breath
Being out of breath or laboured breathing
Rapid and shallow breathing
Tightness in the chest
Hungering for air
Unable to breathe deeply
Feeling suffocated
Anxiousness
Blood in the sputum
Pain or tightness in the chest
Dizziness, fatigue or fainting
Wheezing and or coughing
Palpitations in the heart
Neck pain and or pain while inhaling
When to see a doctor
Swelling in the feet and ankles
Difficulty in breathing while lying flat
High fever, chills and incessant cough
Wheezing or whistling sound while breathing
Worsening of an existing shortness of breath
Complications
If Dyspnea is not treated in time, it can cause
Hypoxia or hypoxemia, which is low blood oxygen level; this in turn leads to more serious complications
Temporary or permanent cognitive impairment, that is reduced brain function
Onset of or worsening of other medical problems
Preventive Care
Do not inhale, or avoid chemicals like paint fumes and car exhaust that can irritate your lungs
Avoid extreme temperatures. Exerting yourself in very hot and humid or very cold weather can worsen dyspnea caused by chronic lung diseases
Practicing breathing and/or relaxation techniques to improve your breathing function and strengthen your breathing muscles
Quit smoking[5] and if you do not smoke, do not start
Reach and maintain a healthy weight
Take all your medications for lung and heart conditions on time; else it can lead to poor control over dyspnea.
Keep elevation in mind. When travelling to a hill stations or climbing tall structures, take time to adjust your breathing and avoid exertion until then
Avoid air-pollution: If you have lung disease, observe air pollution alerts issued on radio, TV and Internet
Diagnosis
To begin with, the physician will understand the sequence of, and triggers for, your shortness of breath. He/she will also assess yours and your family’s medical history to rule out inherited conditions. Then he/she will conduct a series of tests:
Physical exam: This physician will check your temperature and listen to your breathing. A fever could indicate an infection.
Cardiopulmonary exercise testing: In this test, you will exercise on a treadmill or stationary bike, and then the volume of oxygen taken in and carbon dioxide let out will be measured
Spirometry tests: This measures airflow and the patient’s lung capacity in normal conditions, without exertion. This can pinpoint the type and the extent of dyspnea
Pulse oximetry: In this test, a finger sensor is used to see how much oxygen you have in your blood.
Chest X-ray, CT scans or other special imaging tests: These would indicate a deeper cause of breathlessness if you are not already diagnosed with a chronic condition.
Blood tests: These could show anemia, infections and other conditions.
Lung function tests: These tests indicate how good is your breathing
Treatment for Shortness of Breath
The treatment varies according to the condition. After examination of the patient, the doctor will decide the right course of treatment.
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Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.
Difficulty in breathing – What it could mean and emergency response: https://www.kauveryhospital.com/blog/k-way-health/difficulty-in-breathing-what-it-could-mean-and-emergency-response/