Causes of Shortness of Breath and Fatigue

Fatigue and dyspnea, also known as shortness of breath, are common symptoms of overexertion. However, these two symptoms are also warning signs of various medical conditions. If you have shortness of breath and fatigue that is unexplained, contact your physician as soon as possible; however, if these symptoms are severe, a trip to the emergency room is usually warranted.

Congestive Heart Failure

Congestive heart failure occurs when the heart isn't able to pump blood throughout the body. According to the National Institutes of Health, it is characterized by shortness of breath, fatigue, cough, difficulty sleeping, swelling of the ankles, irregular pulse, heart palpitations, nausea and weight gain. This is a serious, chronic condition that must be treated and monitored closely by a physician.

Pneumonia

According to the Mayo Clinic, pneumonia sometimes resembles the flu. A person with pneumonia may experience fatigue and shortness of breath, along with chills, a fever, a headache and coughing. Children and the elderly, as well as patients with chronic illnesses, should pay attention to these symptoms, especially after a bout with a cold or flu.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has a combination of chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Fatigue and shortness of breath that are accompanied by increased sputum production, headaches, dizziness and restlessness in the morning, confusion, forgetfulness and/or ankle swelling are symptoms of COPD.

Pulmonary Hypertension

The Cleveland Clinic states that shortness of breath is usually the first symptom of pulmonary hypertension, a condition in which the arteries that flow from the heart to the lungs are narrowed. Fatigue, fainting, chest pain, swelling in the ankles and dizziness may also be present.

Obesity

A person who is obese may complain of fatigue and shortness of breath. These symptoms are caused by the body having to work harder than normal to keep the body functioning.