Shortness of breath: when there is "not enough air"
Shortness of breath, or dyspnea, is a distressing symptom that can arise from a variety of medical conditions. It may appear suddenly or develop gradually over time. Understanding its causes and how to address them is crucial to maintaining good health.
Common Causes of Shortness of Breath
1. Cardiac Causes
- Heart failure – When the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, fluid can build up in the lungs, making breathing difficult.
- Coronary artery disease – Narrowed arteries may reduce oxygen supply to the heart, leading to breathlessness.
- Arrhythmias – Irregular heartbeats can impair oxygen delivery, making it harder to breathe.
- Coronary artery disease – Narrowed arteries may reduce oxygen supply to the heart, leading to breathlessness.
- Arrhythmias – Irregular heartbeats can impair oxygen delivery, making it harder to breathe.
2. Pulmonary Causes
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) – A progressive lung disease that makes exhaling difficult.
- Asthma – A condition that causes airway inflammation and narrowing.
- Pulmonary embolism – A blood clot in the lungs that can suddenly cause severe shortness of breath.
- Pneumonia – An infection in the lungs leading to inflammation and fluid accumulation.
- Asthma – A condition that causes airway inflammation and narrowing.
- Pulmonary embolism – A blood clot in the lungs that can suddenly cause severe shortness of breath.
- Pneumonia – An infection in the lungs leading to inflammation and fluid accumulation.
3. Other Causes
- Anemia – A low red blood cell count can reduce oxygen supply to tissues.
- Anxiety and panic attacks – These conditions can trigger a subjective feeling of breathlessness.
- Obesity – Excess weight can restrict lung expansion, resulting in breathing difficulties.
- Anxiety and panic attacks – These conditions can trigger a subjective feeling of breathlessness.
- Obesity – Excess weight can restrict lung expansion, resulting in breathing difficulties.
When to See a Doctor
Seek immediate medical attention if shortness of breath is accompanied by:
Chest pain
Dizziness or fainting
Bluish lips or fingertips
Severe wheezing
Difficulty breathing even at rest
Diagnostics and Treatment
A doctor may perform tests such as an ECG, echocardiogram, lung function tests, and blood tests to determine the cause. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may involve:
Medications
(e.g., bronchodilators for asthma, diuretics for heart failure)
Oxygen therapy
Lifestyle changes
(e.g., smoking cessation, weight management, regular exercise)
Conclusion
Heart pain should never be ignored. If you experience chest pain or other alarming symptoms, consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. The earlier heart problems are detected, the better the chances for successful treatment.
Information resources recommended
1. American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Guidelines for the Management of Patients with Chronic Stable Angina
1. American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Guidelines for the Management of Patients with Chronic Stable Angina
https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001063
https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-failure
https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-and-statements
https://www.heart.org/en/professional/quality-improvement/get-with-the-guidelines/get-with-the-guidelines-heart-failure
https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-and-statements/prevent-calculator
https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-failure
https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-and-statements
https://www.heart.org/en/professional/quality-improvement/get-with-the-guidelines/get-with-the-guidelines-heart-failure
https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-and-statements/prevent-calculator
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on the Management of Acute Coronary Syndromes
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on the Management of Acute Coronary Syndromes
https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Acute-Pulmonary-Embolism-Diagnosis-and-Management-of
https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/41/4/543/5556136
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31504429/
https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2019/09/04/13/39/2019-ESC-Guidelines-for-Acute-Pulmonary-Embolism
https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/35/43/3033/503581
https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/41/4/543/5556136
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31504429/
https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2019/09/04/13/39/2019-ESC-Guidelines-for-Acute-Pulmonary-Embolism
https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/35/43/3033/503581
3. American Thoracic Society Guidelines on COPD
3. American Thoracic Society Guidelines on COPD
https://www.thoracic.org/statements/guideline-implementation-tools/pharmacologic-mgmt-of-copd.php
https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/10.1164/rccm.202003-0625ST
https://www.thoracic.org/statements/copd.php
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2021/0700/p102.html
https://www.thoracic.org/statements/guideline-implementation-tools/copd-exacerbations.php
https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/10.1164/rccm.202003-0625ST
https://www.thoracic.org/statements/copd.php
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2021/0700/p102.html
https://www.thoracic.org/statements/guideline-implementation-tools/copd-exacerbations.php
4. European Respiratory Society Guidelines on Asthma
4. European Respiratory Society Guidelines on Asthma
https://publications.ersnet.org/content/erj/early/2022/02/03/1399300301585-2021
https://www.ersnet.org/news-and-features/news/latest-ers-ats-severe-asthma-guidelines-now-available/
https://publications.ersnet.org/content/erj/60/3/2101585
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37678955/
https://channel.ersnet.org/channel-25-guidelines
https://www.ersnet.org/news-and-features/news/latest-ers-ats-severe-asthma-guidelines-now-available/
https://publications.ersnet.org/content/erj/60/3/2101585
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37678955/
https://channel.ersnet.org/channel-25-guidelines