Shortness of Breath

Shortness of breath, or dyspnoea, is the feeling of tightness or not getting enough air. It may be temporary as an after effect of running or jogging, or it may be a sign of an underlying health condition.

What is Shortness of Breath?

Shortness of breath or dyspnoea can be experienced by anyone at any time irrespective of age or gender. It can be felt as though gasping for air, not able to get enough air, working or feeling harder to breathe, or feeling a tightness in the chest. 

Reasons for shortness of breath may include running or jogging long distances or at high intensity. Feeling short of breath may also happen when exercising. Sometimes, shortness of breath may be a sign of underlying health conditions such as heart or lung problems. Shortness of breath may resolve on its own if it is caused by physical exercise or straining. Otherwise, there may be a need for professional treatment.

Sometimes people may experience shortness of breath when sleeping or when falling asleep and there may be a feeling of not being able to breath after falling asleep. This condition may be due to paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (PND).

Causes of Shortness of Breath

There can be many reasons for shortness of breath, some may not be serious and get better on its own.

A. Respiratory Condition

Obstruction or issues with the lungs may cause shortness of breath like:

• Asthma
• Choking
• Allergies
• Blood clot
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Pneumonia
• Tuberculosis
• Inflammation or fluid buildup in the lungs
• Respiratory illness or viral infection such as COVID-19, bronchitis, etc.
• Pulmonary hypertension
• Sarcoidosis
• Partial or complete lung collapse
• Lung cancer

B. Cardiac Conditions

Problems with the heart may also lead to sudden or recurrent shortness of breath including:

• Arrhythmia
• Cardiomyopathy
• Heart failure
• Inflammation of the heart leading to endocarditis, pericarditis, or myocarditis    

C. Other Potential Causes

There may be other causes of shortness of breath such as:

• Anxiety
• An injury such as a broken rib
• Medication such as statins and beta-blockers
• Lack of experience leading to muscle deconditioning
• Extreme temperatures
• Having body mass index (BMI) over 30
• Sleep apnea leading to paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea disease (PND)

Symptoms and Signs of Shortness of Breath

Shortness of breath symptoms may vary from person to person depending upon their perception and the underlying condition causing it. Sometimes there may be other symptoms accompanying shortness of breath.

Some of the common symptoms of shortness of breath may include the following:

• Wheezing (breathing noisily)
• Chest tightness
• Rapidly breathing
• Higher heartbeat rate or palpitation
• Feeling like there is a need to breathe forcefully 
• Working hard to get a deep breath

Sometimes there may be other symptoms such as chest pain and shortness of breath, such signs should not be ignored. Immediate medical attention should be sought.

Diagnosis of Shortness of Breath

When experiencing shortness of breath, seeking medical advice may be helpful to diagnose and treat the problem. The doctor may ask for other symptoms, and perform a physical test which may include listening to the lung sounds with a stethoscope and measuring blood pressure. They may also measure oxygen levels in the blood using a sensor which may be placed on the finger. The doctor may also recommend some tests to identify the underlying cause of shortness of breath:

• Chest X-ray
• Computed Tomography (CT) scan
• Blood test to look for anaemia
• Lung function test
• Cardiopulmonary exercise test which may be performed by making the patient walk on a treadmill.

Treatment of Shortness of Breath

Shortness of breath treatment may depend on the underlying cause. There may not be any need for treatment if it doesn't hamper the quality of life or resolves on its own within a few minutes. The doctor may prescribe:

• Medicines
• Inhaled medication
• Pills or liquids

Pulmonary rehabilitation may also be performed for those who have a lung condition. Cognitive behavioral therapy may be recommended for treating chronic lung disease causing anxiety, stress, and even depression.

When to seek medical help for Shortness of Breath?

If there is a sudden, severe shortness of breath causing other symptoms like chest pain, wheezing, and feeling like something is stuck in the throat, medical attention should be sought. Sometimes shortness of breath may lead to deterioration of quality of life and people may experience:

• Frequent shortness of breath
• Continuous shortness of breath
• Shortness of breath at night leading to insomnia 
• Tightness in your throat

In such cases, visiting the doctor may help relieve symptoms.

Home Remedies for Shortness of Breath

Home remedies for shortness of breath may help to alleviate symptoms: 

• Sitting forward or bending forward while sitting on a chair.
• Standing against a wall and relaxing the airways, especially when walking or going upstairs.
• Standing with support, such as a chair or table, and keeping the neck relaxed to open the airways.
• Drinking coffee may also help open the airways.
• Quitting smoking and avoiding tobacco products.
• Avoiding exposure to pollutants, allergens, and environmental toxins.
• Maintaining a healthy body weight.
• Avoiding overexertion at higher elevations.
• Staying healthy through dietary and lifestyle choices, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep.

People experiencing shortness of breath due to anxiety and other reasons such as panic or hyperventilation may get relief by performing pursed-lip breathing. This works by counting the breaths as you're breathing in slowly while keeping the mouth closed, holding it in for 4 seconds, and then releasing the air by making a pursed-lip shape as though you're going to whistle. This may even work after performing an exercise, lifting heavy weights, bending, or climbing stairs.

Living With Dyspnea

Enhancing your lung capacity through physical activity is often possible. Consult your healthcare provider to determine suitable exercises for your condition. If you are a smoker, the best course of action is to quit, which can alleviate breathing difficulties and enhance overall well-being. Additionally, strive to avoid exposure to secondhand smoke and other pollutants. It's advisable to refrain from strenuous physical activity in extreme weather conditions, whether excessively hot, humid, or cold. When traveling to areas with varying elevations, allow your body time to acclimatize before engaging in vigorous activities. Adhere diligently to your prescribed medications and healthcare plans, and monitor air quality by checking for ozone warnings before venturing outdoors.

Conclusion

Shortness of breath is a common occurrence and may get better within a few minutes. There may not be anything to worry about. However, if it causes deterioration in the quality of life and becomes a hindrance in daily activities, medical treatment may help get better results.

FAQs

1. Is shortness of breath a serious problem?

Shortness of breath may occur from time to time based on various activities. Sudden and severe shortness of breath with other accompanying symptoms may indicate a serious underlying health problem which may require treatment.

2. What are the common causes of shortness of breath?

Shortness of breath may be caused by exercising too much, running or jogging too fast, walking up stairs, etc. 

3. Can shortness of breath be cured naturally?

Shortness of breath may be temporary and get better in a few minutes. People with asthma may need to be under proper care. Other causes of shortness of breath may get better with proper treatment.

4. Can anxiety or stress cause shortness of breath?

Anxiety and stress may cause anxiety attacks which may lead to feeling shortness of breath with heavy and fast breathing. 

5. Can shortness of breath be a sign of a heart attack?

Sudden shortness of breath along with other symptoms like chest pain or left arm pain may indicate a heart attack.

6. When should I be concerned about shortness of breath?    

Shortness of breath may not be anything to be worried about but if it happens spontaneously and all of a sudden along with other serious symptoms, medical help should be sought.