Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath (breathlessness, or dyspnoea) is the feeling of not getting enough air. It can be a normal response to exercise or come from the lungs, heart, anxiety or other causes. Sudden, severe or worsening breathlessness — especially with chest pain or blue lips — is a medical emergency needing immediate help.
What Is Shortness of Breath?
What is shortness of breath?
Shortness of breath, which doctors call dyspnea, is the uncomfortable feeling that you cannot get enough air. It can come on suddenly (acute) or build up over weeks to months (chronic), and it can range from mild breathlessness on exertion to a frightening sense of air hunger at rest.
Is shortness of breath ever normal?
Yes. Feeling breathless after hard exercise, at high altitude or in very hot weather is normal and settles with rest. It is more concerning when it appears at rest, comes on suddenly, or is triggered by everyday activities that never used to leave you breathless.
Possible Causes
What commonly causes shortness of breath?
The causes usually involve the lungs or the heart. Lung causes include asthma, COPD, chest infections such as pneumonia, and a blood clot in the lung (pulmonary embolism). Heart causes include heart failure, angina and abnormal heart rhythms. Anaemia, anxiety, being very out of condition and obesity can also play a part.
Can anxiety cause breathlessness?
Anxiety and panic can genuinely cause breathlessness, often with a racing heart and tingling. However, it is not safe to assume anxiety is the cause until more serious heart and lung problems have been ruled out — especially the first time it happens.
Care and Treatment
How is the cause found?
A doctor will ask about your symptoms and examine you, check your oxygen level, and may arrange tests such as an ECG, a chest X-ray, blood tests, breathing tests (spirometry) or an echocardiogram, depending on what they suspect.
How is shortness of breath treated?
Treatment is aimed at the underlying cause — for example inhalers for asthma or COPD, medicines for heart failure, or treating an infection or anaemia. Stopping smoking, staying active within your limits and reaching a healthy weight often help. Follow the plan your doctor gives you.
When To Call the Doctor
When is shortness of breath an emergency?
Seek emergency care immediately if severe shortness of breath occurs abruptly, or if it occurs with chest pain or pressure, blue lips or face, fainting, confusion, or if you are too breathless to speak in full sentences. These can signal a heart attack, a blood clot or another serious problem.
When should I see a doctor?
Make an appointment if you become breathless doing things that never troubled you before, if breathlessness is getting steadily worse, or if it comes with ankle swelling, a persistent cough or wheeze. New or worsening breathlessness should always be checked.
Additional Common Questions
When should I call an ambulance for shortness of breath?
Call emergency services immediately if breathlessness is sudden and severe, occurs with chest pain, or comes with blue or grey lips or face, choking, confusion or fainting. These can signal a life-threatening problem that needs urgent treatment.
Can anxiety make you short of breath?
Yes. Anxiety and panic attacks can cause rapid, shallow breathing and a feeling of not getting enough air. However, because breathlessness can also come from the heart or lungs, new or severe symptoms should be assessed medically rather than assumed to be anxiety.
Why do I get breathless when lying down?
Breathlessness that is worse when lying flat, or that wakes you at night needing to sit up, can be associated with heart conditions such as heart failure, among other causes. It is a symptom worth reporting to your doctor so the reason can be investigated.
Is it normal to be short of breath during exercise?
Feeling somewhat breathless during vigorous exercise is normal and should settle with rest. It is more concerning if breathlessness is out of proportion to the effort, comes on with very light activity, or is new compared with what you could previously manage.
Sources
This health topic is for general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician about your individual situation. See our medical disclaimer.