Short of Breath? Here’s What to Know

Everyone experiences shortness of breath occasionally, regardless of your fitness level. If you challenge your kids to a foot race or carry a bunch of groceries up a flight of stairs, a bit of huffing and puffing is to be expected.

As you grow older or your fitness level declines, you may have to catch your breath more frequently than you used to.

Should I talk to my doctor about this?

“Shortness of breath at rest or excessive shortness of breath during exercise should always be evaluated by a medical professional, even if the shortness of breath is episodic,” says Adam Wanner, M.D., a pulmonologist with the University of Miami Health System.

What causes you to be short of breath?

Shortness of breath (called dyspnea) during or after exercise, at high altitudes, or while experiencing extreme temperature changes or bad air quality, is expected.

Seek help immediately if your breathing difficulties are severe or accompanied by chest pain, nausea or fainting, or if it comes on suddenly. Seeking medical attention, according to the American Lung Association, depends on if you are breathing heavily at expected times or if an underlying factor may be present.

Possible causes may include:

• Asthma
• Low blood pressure
• Pneumonia
• Heart attack
• A blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism)
• Carbon monoxide poisoning
• Anxiety or a panic attack

If your breathing is worse than usual or lasts for four weeks or longer, this is also worthy of a medical evaluation. It may be the sign of an underlying health condition that needs further diagnosis and treatment.

“COPD is one of many causes of shortness of breath,” says Dr. Wanner. “Almost all lung diseases are associated with shortness of breath, such as asthma or interstitial lung disease. Other causes are heart disease, fluid overload in kidney failure, pulmonary hypertension, severe anemia, anxiety and more.”

Talk to your doctor

The bottom line, says Dr. Wanner, is that if you’re concerned, then it’s always worth a consultation with your health care provider to determine the underlying causes and possible treatments. And if it is severe or accompanied by the other alarming symptoms (mentioned above), seek help immediately.

As with many medical conditions, earlier intervention often leads to better outcomes. “Early diagnosis of the causes of shortness of breath that lead to preventative and/or therapeutic measures can reverse shortness of breath or prevent its progression over time,” says Dr. Wanner.

These treatments may include more exercise, a healthier diet, quitting smoking or medical treatments, depending on the specific causes of the breathing problems.

To make an appointment, call 305-243-6387 or click here.

Wyatt Myers is a contributor for UHealth’s news service.

Tags: chest tightness, Dr. Adam Wanner, healthy breath, lung function, need air