Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Shortness of Breath

You’re having trouble breathing and wonder if your shortness of breath is normal or a medical issue to worry about. Chances are good that if you were expecting to be short of breath, it’s probably normal. 

If, however, it’s unexpected and you have difficulty explaining it, there may be cause for concern. Cardiologist César R. Molina, M.D., FACC, in Mountain View, California, recommends an examination to be sure your unexpected or unexplained breathing problems aren’t a sign of deeper health issues. 

What is dyspnea? 

Dyspnea is the medical term for shortness of breath. It presents itself in several ways, some more upsetting than others. You may simply feel out of breath as though you’ve just run some distance (though you haven’t), or you may have other conditions like: 

• Chest tightness
• A feeling called air hunger
• Feeling like you can’t breathe deeply enough
• Wheezing 
• Coughing
• Changes in heart rhythm called palpitations

Dyspnea can come on quickly or develop over time. The feeling of shortness of breath may change with your body position, for better or worse. 

Causes of shortness of breath

If you’ve just been working hard or are visiting a location at a high altitude, some shortness of breath has a reasonable explanation. It’s a medical concern when you don’t know why you’re having trouble breathing. 

Some common causes of dyspnea include: 

• Anaphylaxis
• Anemia
• Anxiety
• Arrhythmia
• Asthma 
• Broken ribs
• Cardiomyopathy
• Choking
• Collapsed lung
• Congestive heart failure
• Heart attack
• Heart disease
• Lung disorders
• Obesity
• Pericardial effusion: fluid buildup around your heart
• Pulmonary embolism
• Pulmonary hypertension
• Scar tissue in the lungs

Pregnancy and sudden blood loss can also trigger breathing difficulties. 

When to seek medical attention

You shouldn’t ignore shortness of breath symptoms if they come on suddenly or are new and unexplained. Consider seeking immediate medical attention if you have one or more of these symptoms along with shortness of breath: 

• Gasping or wheezing when you breathe
• Fever, chills, or coughing
• Problems breathing when you’re lying on your back
• Swelling in your feet and ankles

Call 911 or report to an emergency room when your fingertips or lips turn blue, your shortness of breath is severe and sudden, or you have chest pain, nausea, or feel faint.

In some cases, shortness of breath can be serious and even fatal. Seek treatment as soon as possible after the onset of symptoms. 

Dr. Molina treats conditions that contribute to dyspnea, including heart and lung disease, arrhythmia, and congestive heart failure as well as other cardiopulmonary disorders. 

While you can request an appointment online through our website, we recommend calling Dr. Molina’s office when you experience shortness of breath to assure your safety. Don’t delay when your breathing is affected. Call 650-961-7021 as soon as possible for further instructions.