Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea)
Shortness of breath is the feeling that you can't catch your breath or get enough air. It's also known as dyspnea.
Dyspnea can be caused by many different conditions. They include:
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Acute asthma attack.
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Worsening of chronic lung diseases such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema (COPD).
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Heart failure. This is when weak heart muscle causes extra fluid to collect in the lungs.
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Panic attacks or anxiety. Fear can cause rapid breathing (hyperventilation).
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Pneumonia, or an infection in the lung tissue.
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Exposure to toxic substances, fumes, smoke, or certain medicines.
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Blood clot in the lung (pulmonary embolism). This is often from a piece of a blood clot in a deep vein of the leg (deep vein thrombosis) that breaks off and travels to the lungs.
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Heart attack or heart-related chest pain (angina).
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Anemia.
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Collapsed lung (pneumothorax).
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Dehydration.
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Pregnancy.
Based on your visit today, the exact cause of your shortness of breath is unknown. Your tests don’t show any of the serious causes of dyspnea. You may need other tests to find out if you have a serious problem. It’s important to watch for any new symptoms or symptoms that get worse. Follow up with your health care provider as directed.
Home care
Follow these tips to take care of yourself at home:
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When your symptoms are better, go back to your usual activities.
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If you smoke, you should stop. Join a quit-smoking program or ask your health care provider for help.
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Eat healthy foods and get plenty of sleep.
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Get regular exercise. Talk with your provider before you start to exercise, especially if you have other medical problems.
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Talk with your provider about cutting down on the amount of caffeine and stimulants you consume.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your health care provider, or as advised.
If tests are done, you will be told if your treatment needs to be changed. You can call as directed for the results.
If an X-ray is taken, you will be told of any new findings that may affect your care.
Call 911
Shortness of breath may be a sign of a serious medical problem. For example, it may be a problem with your heart or lungs. Call 911 if you have worsening shortness of breath or trouble breathing, especially with any of the symptoms below:
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Shortness of breath or wheezing
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Confusion or difficulty waking
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Fainting or loss of consciousness
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Fast or irregular heartbeat
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Coughing up blood
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Unusual pain in your chest, arm, shoulder, neck, or upper back
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Unusual sweating
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Feeling of doom
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Lips or skin looks blue, purple, or gray in color
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Feel dizzy
When to seek medical advice
Contact your health care provider right away if any of these occur:
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Redness, pain, or swelling in your leg, arm, or other body area
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Swelling in both legs or ankles
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Fast weight gain
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Weakness
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Fever of 100.4ºF (38ºC) or higher, or as directed by your provider
Online Medical Reviewer:
Chris Southard RN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Marianne Fraser MSN RN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Sravani Chintapalli Researcher
Date Last Reviewed:
12/1/2024
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