Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea)

The Basics

Written by the doctors and editors at UpToDate пїЅ пїЅ

What is shortness of breath? " пїЅ People who have shortness of breath describe it in different ways. Some people say that they feel like they cant take a deep breath in or get enough air. Other people might feel like their chest is tight or they have to work harder than usual to breathe. The medical word for shortness of breath is "dyspnea. " пїЅ пїЅ пїЅ

Shortness of breath can start suddenly, over minutes to hours. It can also happen over a longer period of time, from weeks to months. пїЅ пїЅ

What causes shortness of breath? " пїЅ Different medical conditions can cause shortness of breath. пїЅ пїЅ

The most common causes of shortness of breath that starts suddenly are: пїЅ пїЅ

Lung problems, such as asthma, infections, or blood clots " пїЅ These conditions might cause other symptoms, too. For example, a lung infection usually causes a fever and cough.
Heart problems, such as a heart attack or heart failure " пїЅ A heart attack can also cause chest pain or pressure. Heart failure is when the heart does not pump as well as it should.
A severe allergic reaction, called "anaphylaxis " пїЅ " пїЅ This can also cause itching, swelling, or a rash.
Pregnancy " пїЅ It can be normal for pregnant women to feel slightly short of breath just after they lie down or are active.

The most common causes of shortness of breath that happens over weeks to months are: пїЅ пїЅ

Lung problems, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) " пїЅ Both of these conditions can make it hard to breathe. COPD is usually caused by smoking.
Heart problems, such as heart failure or a change in the size and shape of the heart (called cardiomyopathy)
Being overweight or out of shape

Should I see a doctor or nurse? " пїЅ Yes. If you have shortness of breath, you should see your doctor or nurse. пїЅ пїЅ

Sometimes shortness of breath means that your condition is serious and you need emergency help. Call for an ambulance (in the US and Canada, dial 9-1-1) if you have: пїЅ пїЅ

Shortness of breath and think you are having a heart attack
Severe shortness of breath (hard to breathe when you are sitting still)
An allergic reaction with shortness of breath

Will I have tests? " пїЅ You might. Your doctor or nurse will talk with you, ask about your symptoms, and do an exam. Depending on what the doctor or nurse finds, he or she might order 1 or more of the following tests: пїЅ пїЅ

Blood tests
A chest X-ray
An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) to measure the electrical activity in your heart
A breathing test

How is shortness of breath treated? " пїЅ Shortness of breath is treated in different ways, depending on the cause. Once your doctor or nurse figures out the cause of your symptoms, he or she will talk with you about different possible treatments. пїЅ пїЅ

All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. пїЅ пїЅ

This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Nov 04, 2014. пїЅ пїЅ

Topic 16192 Version 3.0 пїЅ пїЅ

Release: 22.8 - C22.206 пїЅ пїЅ

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Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea)

The Basics

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

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