Shortness of Breath: Treatment, Symptoms, Causes, Prevention & More

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Shortness of Breath

What is Shortness of Breath?Shortness of breath is a condition that makes it difficult for a person to breathe properly. It is also known as dyspnea. It usually occurs suddenly with an intense tightening of the chest along with the feeling of suffocation. Though shortness of breath is normal when people perform exercise, but if it occurs in an unexpected situation, it can be due to an underlying health condition. Shortness of Breath SymptomsAs the name suggests, one of the common symptoms of this condition is shortness of breath. Some other shortness of breath symptoms are:

Feeling of intense tightening in the chest
Rapid breathing
Feeling of not getting enough oxygen

You should immediately seek medical attention if you experience the following symptoms along with shortness of breath:

Wheezing
High fever with cough and chills
Swelling in feet

Who is at Risk?Shortness of breath risk factors can be different from person to person. It is not just a medical condition that can increase your risk to shortness of breath but other physical and lifestyle factors. You can experience dyspnea if:

You are a smoker
You have weak muscles, especially those involved in breathing
You have low levels of hemoglobin
You have asthma or any other chronic respiratory disease
You are anxious

Shortness of Breath CausesThere are multiple reasons for shortness of breath varying from mental health problems to physical conditions. If it is sudden shortness of breath, it can happen due to anxiety or panic attacks. In some cases, dyspnea can be because of circumstances such as:

High-intensity workout
Extreme temperature
High altitude
Poor air quality

Other shortness of breath causes can include medical conditions such as:

Allergies
Asthma
Congestive Heart Failure
Heart Attack
Lung Disease
Obesity
Guillain-Barré Syndrome
Pneumonia
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Pulmonary Embolism
Anemia

If shortness of breath is persistent and affecting your day-to-day activities, seek emergency care to avoid any complication. How is Shortness of Breath diagnosed?While shortness of breath diagnosis is self-explanatory, you should visit a doctor to ensure proper treatment. Below are some of the things that you can expect during your diagnosis:

First, the doctor will ask you about the symptoms. Make sure you provide correct information.
The doctors will also analyze your medical history along with a physical examination to evaluate the possible reasons for dyspnea.
In some cases, the doctors also conduct additional tests to diagnose the problem. Some of the tests may include chest imaging, blood test, echocardiogram, allergy tests, and lung function tests.

How is Shortness of Breath treated?Once the diagnosis is done, the doctors will begin the shortness of breath treatment as per the cause. For instance, if dyspnea is due to anemia, the doctor will prescribe iron supplements. Similarly, the doctor may ask for therapy if the cause is an anxiety disorder. Other than the treatment, the doctor may also recommend a few measures:

Quitting smoking

Medicine for shortness of breath

Regular exercise
Using oxygen

In the case where the shortness of breath is due to a serious medical condition, the doctor will recommend different treatment options accordingly. To find the best shortness of breath cure, visit one of the best pulmonologists. They are specialized in respiratory diseases and can provide effective treatment. We, at Care.Fit, have a dedicated team of doctors and health professionals who can find the best possible treatment for dyspnea. In case you need immediate care, you can also book your appointment through our website or app and connect online with the specialists. We also offer online therapy consultation for mental health issues. How can Shortness of Breath be prevented?To keep a tab on dyspnea, you can also take prevention measures. This not only helps you in avoiding the condition but also in gradual treatment at home. Here are some of the common yet effective shortness of breath prevention tips: