What is Shortness Of Breath ? - Causes, Treament and Symptoms

Shortness Of Breath is characterized by an inability to breathe properly or difficulty in breathing normally, or being air hungry (running out of air to breathe) due to various overactivity or underlying heart & lung conditions.

Causes of shortness of breath:

• Certain lung or airway conditions include asthma, COPD, pleuritis, pulmonary embolism, respiratory illnesses such as viral or bacterial infections, and bronchitis, which involves obstruction, infection, inflammation, or damage to lung tissue.
• Heart conditions such as myocarditis, pericarditis, arrhythmias, and heart failure can contribute to congestion of blood vessels in the heart, reducing the oxygenated blood supply, thus resulting in SOB & chest discomfort.
• Anemia, which is marked by a decrease in the blood’s ability to carry oxygen, can lead to breathing difficulties due to inadequate blood flow.
• Psychological conditions such as Anxiety or panic attacks can increase the heart rate & also cause breathing difficulty
• Certain conditions, like sleep apnea, which involves constriction of the airways, can lead to difficulty breathing while you are sleeping or lying down.
• Use of certain medications such as statins (cholesterol-lowering drugs) or beta blockers (drugs used to treat high blood pressure).
• Overweight or obese individuals experience difficulty in breathing due to pressure on their lungs.
• Increased physical activity can cause temporary breathlessness.

When to call the doctor for Shortness Of Breath?

While excessive physical exercise can lead to shortness of breath, it can be relieved over time with rest; however, if breathlessness does not improve and lasts for more than a day and is accompanied by the following symptoms, it is advised to seek attention immediately. 

• If you experience chest discomfort, dizziness, or fainting.
• If you experience sudden, severe SOB, which worsens with minimal tasks.
• If you have a history of lung & heart conditions.
• If you experience a persistent cough, fever & chills
• Bluish discoloration of nails, fingers, lips, or toes.
• Increased respiratory rates or noisy breathing (wheezing).
• Heart palpitations, sudden breathlessness at night.
• Swelling in the legs, feet, & abdomen.
  

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Diagnosis for shortness of breath:

General examinations, such as checking for signs of bluish discoloration of nails or lips, are the primary approach for diagnosing SOB, along with physical examinations where doctors use the stethoscope to hear your breath sounds to check for any breathing issues associated with lung conditions. Followed measuring vitals, including blood pressure & oxygen saturation, heart rate, and respiratory rate. Additionally, imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans, and lung function tests (to visualize and assess the pulmonary function), along with certain blood tests (to rule out anemia), are performed to determine the underlying cause for an effective treatment plan.

Treatment for shortness of breath:

• Breathing exercises to promote normal breathing by strengthening the heart & lung muscles.
• Relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga can help relax your body & reduce anxiety.
• Certain bronchodilator medications in the form of inhalers treat the underlying asthma or COPD that makes breathing hard.
• Oxygen therapy can also be employed in severe cases to restore normal breathing & oxygenation to the tissues.
• Lying down with the support of pillows at the upper back or adjusting the posture to sideways can help improve breathing (particularly in pregnant women who experience SOB due to the pressure exerted in the upper part of the body by a growing uterus).

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