Shortness of breath, known as dyspnea, is the feeling of not being able to get enough air. Those experiencing shortness of breath describe feelings of intense chest tightening or suffocation, according to the Mayo Clinic. Many lung problems interfere with lung function, causing shortness of breath.
Asthma
Asthma, a chronic lung disease, affects more than 22 million people in the United States, including more than 6 million children, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. Asthma occurs when the body overreacts to inhaled substances normally considered harmless, such as dust, pollen or chemical irritants. When triggered, asthma causes increased mucus production and constriction of the muscles surrounding the airways. These actions cause the airways to narrow, therefore inhibiting breathing. Symptoms of asthma include coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, also known as COPD, is a progressive lung disease caused by long-term exposure to lung irritants such as pollution, chemical fumes and tobacco smoke. The airways and air sacs--known as alveoli--lose elasticity. The airways become inflamed, and mucus production increases. This worsens breathing difficulties, leading to symptoms of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and chronic cough.
Emphysema
Emphysema is a condition that plays a role in the progression of COPD. Because the most common cause of emphysema is smoking, this condition can be prevented. Emphysema occurs when smoke damages the alveoli, therefore reducing the amount of air in the lungs. Less air means less oxygen getting into the bloodstream. Emphysema causes shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, chronic cough, weight loss and fatigue.
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis occurs when a bacterium known as mycobacterium tuberculosis infects the lungs. Although incidence in the United States remains low, tuberculosis is the leading cause of death among young adults worldwide, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease. Active tuberculosis infection causes fever, night sweats, chills, chronic cough, shortness of breath and chest pain.
Pulmonary Fibrosis
Pulmonary fibrosis, a disease classified as an interstitial lung disease, occurs when lung tissue becomes scarred, causing it to thicken. This disease affects approximately 200,000 Americans each year, resulting in about 40,000 deaths, according to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. The main symptom, shortness of breath, often begins during physical exertion, but as the disease progresses the symptoms becomes more severe, affecting even simple daily activities such as dressing and eating. Other symptoms include a chronic cough, fatigue, chest discomfort and weight loss.
