Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

The basic activity that keeps us alive, breathing, is so essential to our existence that its importance is frequently overlooked until it is jeopardized. Shortness of breath, or dyspnea, is a clear reminder of how important breathing is to our existence. This article examines the complexities of dyspnea, including its various symptoms, causes, triggers, and coping mechanisms. Let’s start with the illness. 

What is Dyspnea?

Healthcare professionals refer to feeling out of breath as dyspnea. It could be characterized as chest tightness, difficulty breathing, or insufficient air intake. Breathlessness is frequently a sign of lung and cardiac issues. However, it may also indicate other illnesses, including anxiety, allergies, or asthma. Breathlessness can also be brought on by a cold or vigorous exercise. An hour or two after falling asleep, you may experience paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (PND), which is the sensation that your breathing is difficult. When you take deep breaths to try to alleviate the feeling of dyspnea, you may sigh a lot, which is known as sighing dyspnea.

What is the Difference Between Dyspnea and Shortness of Breath?

Dyspnea and shortness of breath refer to the same sensation of difficulty breathing. Dyspnea is the medical term used to describe the uncomfortable feeling of not being able to get enough air or struggling to breathe properly. It can occur suddenly or gradually and may be caused by various health conditions affecting the heart, lungs, or other parts of the body. 

What are Acute and Chronic Shortness of Breath?

The duration and onset times of acute and chronic dyspnea are different. Their causes are distinct.

Acute Dyspnea

The duration of acute dyspnea is short (hours to days) and can occur suddenly. Acute dyspnea can be brought on by allergies, worry, physical activity, and illnesses like the flu or the common cold. Acute dyspnea can also be brought on by more catastrophic illnesses such as a heart attack, a blood clot (pulmonary embolism), or abrupt airway restriction (anaphylaxis).

Chronic Dyspnea

Breathlessness that persists for a lengthy period of time (weeks or more) or recurs frequently is known as chronic dyspnea. Chronic dyspnea can be brought on by long-term medical disorders such as COPD, heart failure, and asthma. Because your muscles are attempting to obtain more oxygen, not getting enough exercise can also lead you to feel out of breath all the time.

Who is at Risk for Dyspnea?

Shortness of breath is common due to various causes. However, you may be more prone to experiencing it if you have:

• Anemia (low red blood cell count)
• Anxiety
• Heart, lung, or breathing issues
• A history of smoking
• A respiratory infection
• A body mass index (BMI) over 30 (overweight)
• Lack of physical activity

What are the Symptoms of Dyspnea?

Shortness of breath can vary from person to person and may depend on the underlying cause. It is sometimes accompanied by other symptoms.

Signs of dyspnea include:

• Chest tightness
• The sensation of needing to force yourself to take a deep breath
• Effortful breathing
• Rapid breathing (tachypnea) or an increased heart rate (palpitations)
• Wheezing or stridor (noisy breathing)

What are the Causes of Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea)?

Breathlessness can be brought on by physical activity, disease, and medical disorders. Heart and lung disorders are the most frequent causes of dyspnea. Together, your heart and lungs eliminate carbon dioxide from your body and deliver oxygen to your blood and tissues. Your blood may contain too much carbon dioxide or too little oxygen if one or the other isn’t functioning properly.

Your body will then tell you to breathe more forcefully in order to exhale more carbon dioxide or oxygen. This can also occur from anything that increases your body’s desire for oxygen, such as a vigorous workout or being at a high altitude.

Your lungs’ malfunction can also be communicated to your brain. This may cause you to feel as though you are exerting more effort to breathe or that your chest is constricted. Among the reasons for this are:

• Irritation in the lungs
• Limited lung movement during breathing
• Resistance to airflow into the lungs due to blocked or narrowed airways

What Health Conditions can lead to Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea)?

Shortness of breath can be caused by heart or lung disease, as well as other conditions.

Lung and airway conditions:

• Asthma
• Allergies
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Respiratory infections (e.g., bronchitis, COVID-19, flu, other viral or bacterial infections)
• Pneumonia
• Inflammation (pleurisy) or fluid (pleural effusion) around the lungs
• Fluid (pulmonary edema) or scarring (fibrosis) inside the lungs
• Lung cancer or pleural mesothelioma
• High blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension)
• Sarcoidosis
• Tuberculosis
• Partial or complete collapsed lung (pneumothorax or atelectasis)
• Blood clot (pulmonary embolism)
• Choking

Heart and blood conditions:

• Anemia
• Heart failure
• Cardiomyopathy (conditions affecting the heart muscle)
• Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmia)
• Inflammation in or around the heart (endocarditis, pericarditis, or myocarditis)

Other conditions:

• Anxiety
• Injury affecting breathing (e.g., broken rib)
• Medications, such as statins (cholesterol-lowering) and beta-blockers (used to treat high blood pressure)
• Extreme temperatures (hot or cold)
• A body mass index (BMI) over 30
• Lack of exercise (muscle deconditioning)
• Sleep apnea, which can lead to paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (PND)

How is Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea) Managed?

How you treat shortness of breath depends on its underlying cause. If an underlying medical condition is responsible, addressing it is essential for symptom improvement.

Treatment options that may help improve breathing include:

• Exercise: Regular exercise can strengthen your heart and lungs, reducing the effort needed to breathe.
• Relaxation techniques: Your healthcare provider may recommend relaxation exercises and breathing techniques, which can be helpful for managing breathlessness caused by breathing conditions or anxiety.
• Medication: Inhaled bronchodilators can help relax the airways and are commonly prescribed for asthma and COPD. Additionally, medications for pain or anxiety may ease breathlessness.
• Oxygen therapy: If your blood oxygen levels are low, your provider may prescribe supplemental oxygen, which is delivered through a mask or nasal tube.

How to Prevent Shortness of Breath?

• Creating a care plan with your healthcare provider to manage any underlying conditions. This includes following medication schedules, exercise routines, breathing treatments, and other recommended treatments.
• Avoiding inhalation of harmful chemicals, such as paint fumes and car exhaust, which can irritate your lungs.
• Practicing breathing exercises or relaxation techniques to improve lung function.
• Not smoking to protect your respiratory health.
• Maintaining a healthy weight that is suitable for your body.
• Avoiding extreme weather conditions, such as very hot, very cold, or highly humid environments. If you have lung disease, check for air pollution (ozone) alerts and avoid outdoor activities when pollution levels are high.

When to See a Healthcare Provider?

If you experience severe dyspnea or if it interferes with your daily activities, get in touch with a healthcare professional. Breathlessness can occasionally indicate a medical emergency that has to be treated right away. Ask your doctor if there are any other therapies available to help you breathe better if you suffer from a condition that causes you to lose your breath frequently.