Dyspnea (Shortness of Breath)

Dyspnea or shortness of breath is the feeling that you cannot get adequate air into your lungs. You may feel tightness in the chest and must work harder to breathe.

Type of Dyspnea

Acute dyspnea

Acute dyspnea usually lasts for a couple of hours. Exercise, anxiety, colds, influenza, allergies, pneumothorax, or severe health problems such as anaphylaxis, pulmonary embolism, or heart attack can be the underlying causes. 

Chronic dyspnea

You have persistent shortness of breath lasting longer than 2-3 weeks. Ongoing asthma, heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may be the cause. 

Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (PND)

You have trouble breathing while sleeping, which may cause you to wake up. 

Sighing dyspnea

You feel that you cannot inhale enough air into your lungs, so you sigh to alleviate shortness of breath. 

Signs and symptoms of dyspnea

• Difficulty getting a deep breath.
• Tightness in the chest.
• Racing heart rate or breathing
• Wheezing

When to see the doctor

Shortness of breath is usually a sign of a medical emergency, which requires immediate diagnosis and treatment, particularly when you develop severe or frequent shortness of breath.

Head to the nearest hospital if you experience the following symptoms:

• You cannot catch your breath or have difficulty breathing though you have been resting for 30 minutes.
• Your lips, skin, and nails turn blue.
• You feel pain or heaviness in the chest.
• Your heart is racing.
• You have swollen ankles or feet.
• You have stridor or wheezing.
• You have a high fever.

Causes

The heart and lungs play a crucial role in the oxygenation of the body. When either malfunctions, it can result in insufficient oxygen levels or excessive carbon dioxide in the bloodstream. You must breathe more forcefully to increase oxygen intake or expel carbon dioxide effectively. Factors increasing your body's demand for oxygen are intense physical activity or high-altitude environments.

Moreover, lung irritation, restricted lung movement during breathing, or resistance to airflow due to blocked or narrowed airways can cause shortness of breath.

Risk factors

• Anxiety
• Anemia
• Heart and lung conditions
• History of respiratory diseases
• Smoking
• Body mass index (BMI) over 30

Diagnosis

• History taking and physical examination by checking your vital signs, including blood pressure and blood oxygen level and listening to your lungs.
• Chest X-ray or CT scan
• Blood tests for anemia or other diseases.
• Pulmonary function tests.
• Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) to measure the volume of air and oxygen you inhale and carbon dioxide you exhale.

Treatment

• Engaging in regular exercise can enhance the efficiency of your heart and lungs.
• Practicing breathing exercises and relaxation techniques can relieve anxiety which may be the cause of your dyspnea.
• Medications such as bronchodilators to ease airway constriction for conditions like asthma and COPD. Some pain and anxiety medications can also relieve shortness of breath.
• Oxygen Therapy can increase your blood oxygen levels.

Prevention

• Follow the treatment plan instructed by your doctor, which may include medications and physical and breathing exercises.
• Avoid exposure to irritants such as chemicals, paint fumes, or car exhaust.
• Engage in breathing exercises or relaxation techniques.
• Stop smoking.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
  Stay indoors when the air pollution index is high; it is detrimental to your health.