Dealing with Shortness of Breath

The uncomfortable sensation of having difficulty breathing, with various potential causes.
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Respiratory Health | Anxiety | Cardiac Health | Breathing Difficulty | Dyspnea
Prepared by Lee Cheng, reviewed by Dr. Helena Rodriguez

Shortness Of Breath FAQ


Image credit: verywellhealth.com

What does shortness of breath feel like?

When you are short of breath, it may feel like you can’t get enough air into your lungs, or like you can’t catch your breath. Breathing may feel difficult or uncomfortable. The medical term for shortness of breath is dyspnoea. What causes shortness of breath? Many people who have heart conditions experience shortness of breath every day.

What causes shortness of breath?

Or if your heart isn’t working as well as it should, this could cause a build-up of fluid in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. Other conditions, including anxiety, asthma, a blood clot in the lungs, cancer, or a chest infection like pneumonia, can also lead to shortness of breath.

What does breathlessness feel like?

Breathlessness is also called shortness of breath and difficulty in breathing. People with breathlessness might describe it as: Feeling out of breath. Feeling like the chest is very tight. Feeling like they're not getting enough air in ('air hunger'). It's normal to feel breathless when doing heavy physical activity, like running.

What is the medical name for shortness of breath?

The medical name for shortness of breath is dyspnea. It’s considered acute if it lasts for hours to days. It’s considered chronic if it lasts for more than 4 to 8 weeks. Anxiety — whether acute and situational or a chronic disorder — can cause you to feel short of breath. Anxiety or a panic attack can sometimes be mistaken for a heart attack.

Shortness Of Breath References

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