Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsTypesCausesDiagnosisTreatmentWhen to See a Healthcare ProviderFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Types
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Frequently Asked Questions
Breathing is an automatic action that you perform without thinking, but it’s not a reflex you should take for granted. If you’ve ever lost your breath, you know it can be a frightening event. The minute you have to think about breathing, you intuitively know that something is off. Shortness of breath can affect anyone, including healthy people. It’s a subjective feeling, so its presentation differs from person to person.
Shortness of breath, clinically known as dyspnea, is sometimes described as difficulty catching your breath, wheezing, or breathlessness. The causes of shortness of breath range from very strenuous exercise and extreme temperatures toobesityand higher altitude.
This article discusses the symptoms, types, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of shortness of breath.
eternalcreative / Getty Images
Symptoms of Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath is associated with a myriad of symptoms, depending on what brings it about. These symptoms include:
Types of Shortness of Breath
Causes of Shortness of Breath
If you are ill or your body senses danger, your brain and body may change how you breathe to correct for any chemical imbalances that are detected.
Oftentimes, either one or both of the following occur:
The following are the most common causes of shortness of breath:
What Medications Can Cause Shortness of Breath?
The side effect of shortness of breath from medications is quite common, as many drug classes can cause this symptom but should not be taken lightly. Ask your healthcare provider about the side effect of shortness of breath before taking medication in any one of the following drug classes:
Recreational drugs such as cocaine, codeine, heroin, methadone, and propoxyphene can also cause shortness of breath.
Shortness of breath is a serious medical complication and you should contact your healthcare professional immediately should you experience this symptom.Medical management may include:Reevaluation of the type of medication you are usingHow much and how potent the drug may be (dosage)Any drug-drug interactions that may be occurringCareful monitoring of any subsequent medication changesIn the event that medications causing dyspnea are unavoidable, such as in pain management and palliative care (specialized care to relieve pain and symptoms), additional support services such as supplemental oxygen, respiratory therapy, and pulmonary rehabilitation, may be provided.
Shortness of breath is a serious medical complication and you should contact your healthcare professional immediately should you experience this symptom.
Medical management may include:
In the event that medications causing dyspnea are unavoidable, such as in pain management and palliative care (specialized care to relieve pain and symptoms), additional support services such as supplemental oxygen, respiratory therapy, and pulmonary rehabilitation, may be provided.
Tests to Diagnose the Cause of Shortness of Breath
Dyspnea has many causes, which can make it difficult to find a diagnosis. To determine what might be causing your shortness of breath, your healthcare provider may recommend/perform one of these tests:
How to Treat Shortness of Breath
There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for shortness of breath. Shortness of breath can range from mild to severe.
In moderate cases, your shortness of breath may go away after taking medications that open the airway (bronchodilators) or reduce inflammation (steroids).
No matter the case, never take shortness of breath lightly, and contact your healthcare provider immediately if you are struggling to breathe.
Medical management is specific to the cause of your shortness of breath. For example, if a medication you are taking is the cause of your shortness of breath your healthcare provider may suggest that you cut back or discontinue the use of the offending agent. They will likely take a thorough history checking for any potential drug interactions, allergic reactions, or even misunderstandings on how to take your medications.
If the cause of your shortness of breath is pleural effusion (a collection of excess fluid between the layers of the pleura outside the lungs), draining the effusion may result in the resolution of your symptoms. Resolving the underlying issue is always the most effective way to treat shortness of breath.
If you experience any of the following contact a healthcare provider or head to the emergency room immediately:
Summary
Frequently Asked QuestionsTo find the cause of your shortness of breath your healthcare provider will first take a detailed medical history and perform a focused physical exam that includes checking your lungs with a stethoscope and observing for signs of heart failure like trouble breathing when lying down or swelling in your feet and ankles. After taking a detailed medical evaluation your healthcare provider may suggest taking additional tests such as blood tests, pulmonary function tests, a chest X-ray, and an echocardiogram.Many health conditions, listed above, can cause shortness of breath but the most common causes are conditions that affect the heart or lungs.Resolving the underlying cause of your shortness of breath is the best way to get rid of it, but that is easier said than done given all the potential causes of your dyspnea. Therefore, if you are struggling to catch your breath in any way you may want to contact a healthcare provider immediately.
To find the cause of your shortness of breath your healthcare provider will first take a detailed medical history and perform a focused physical exam that includes checking your lungs with a stethoscope and observing for signs of heart failure like trouble breathing when lying down or swelling in your feet and ankles. After taking a detailed medical evaluation your healthcare provider may suggest taking additional tests such as blood tests, pulmonary function tests, a chest X-ray, and an echocardiogram.
Many health conditions, listed above, can cause shortness of breath but the most common causes are conditions that affect the heart or lungs.
Resolving the underlying cause of your shortness of breath is the best way to get rid of it, but that is easier said than done given all the potential causes of your dyspnea. Therefore, if you are struggling to catch your breath in any way you may want to contact a healthcare provider immediately.
6 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Brigham and Women’s Hospital.Dyspnea/shortness of breath.Wang, Y., Cao, J., Feng, J., and B. Chen.Cheyne-Stokes respiration during sleep: mechanisms and potential interventions.British Journal of Hospital Medicine. 2015. 76(7):390-6. doi:10.12968/hmed.2015.76.7.390Pinargote P, Guillen D, Guarderas JC.ACE inhibitors: upper respiratory symptoms.BMJ Case Rep. 2014;2014:bcr2014205462. Published 2014 Jul 17. doi:10.1136/bcr-2014-205462Food and Drug Administration.Warning: NSAIDs can cause heart attack and stroke.American Lung Association.Lung function tests.American Lung Association.Diagnosing and treating shortness of breath.
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Brigham and Women’s Hospital.Dyspnea/shortness of breath.Wang, Y., Cao, J., Feng, J., and B. Chen.Cheyne-Stokes respiration during sleep: mechanisms and potential interventions.British Journal of Hospital Medicine. 2015. 76(7):390-6. doi:10.12968/hmed.2015.76.7.390Pinargote P, Guillen D, Guarderas JC.ACE inhibitors: upper respiratory symptoms.BMJ Case Rep. 2014;2014:bcr2014205462. Published 2014 Jul 17. doi:10.1136/bcr-2014-205462Food and Drug Administration.Warning: NSAIDs can cause heart attack and stroke.American Lung Association.Lung function tests.American Lung Association.Diagnosing and treating shortness of breath.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Brigham and Women’s Hospital.Dyspnea/shortness of breath.Wang, Y., Cao, J., Feng, J., and B. Chen.Cheyne-Stokes respiration during sleep: mechanisms and potential interventions.British Journal of Hospital Medicine. 2015. 76(7):390-6. doi:10.12968/hmed.2015.76.7.390Pinargote P, Guillen D, Guarderas JC.ACE inhibitors: upper respiratory symptoms.BMJ Case Rep. 2014;2014:bcr2014205462. Published 2014 Jul 17. doi:10.1136/bcr-2014-205462Food and Drug Administration.Warning: NSAIDs can cause heart attack and stroke.American Lung Association.Lung function tests.American Lung Association.Diagnosing and treating shortness of breath.
Brigham and Women’s Hospital.Dyspnea/shortness of breath.
Wang, Y., Cao, J., Feng, J., and B. Chen.Cheyne-Stokes respiration during sleep: mechanisms and potential interventions.British Journal of Hospital Medicine. 2015. 76(7):390-6. doi:10.12968/hmed.2015.76.7.390
Pinargote P, Guillen D, Guarderas JC.ACE inhibitors: upper respiratory symptoms.BMJ Case Rep. 2014;2014:bcr2014205462. Published 2014 Jul 17. doi:10.1136/bcr-2014-205462
Food and Drug Administration.Warning: NSAIDs can cause heart attack and stroke.
American Lung Association.Lung function tests.
American Lung Association.Diagnosing and treating shortness of breath.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
