Being short of breath is a scary feeling and can be caused by a number of medical conditions. When a person becomes short of breath it is important to get medical help immediately, especially if the cause is unknown. Until medical help arrives, have the person try to relax and take deep, slow breaths.
Heart Attack
A heart attack occurs when the arteries of the heart become narrowed or blocked by a fatty substance called plaque. When blood and oxygen cannot get to the heart muscles, they begin to die. According to the American Heart Association, every 34 seconds someone in the United States has a heart attack. Signs and symptoms of a heart attack includes chest discomfort in the center of the chest, shortness of breath even when resting, nausea and pain in the arms, neck, back or jaw. If someone is exhibiting any of these signs and symptoms, it is critical to get medical help immediately.
Asthma
Asthma is a disease that causes the airways to swell and become narrow. Asthma can be triggered by multiple causes. Some of these triggers can include allergens in the air, cold air, physical activity, stress and allergies to some foods. According to MayoClinic.com, signs and symptoms include shortness of breath, pain or tightness in the chest, coughing and a wheezing sound when breathing. Treatment includes preventative medications, inhalers to quickly open the airways and possibly allergy medication to prevent future asthma attacks. People who are at risk for developing asthma include those with a family history of asthma, those who smoke or who are often exposed to secondhand smoke, those who are overweight and those who are exposed to certain chemicals.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia occurs when an infection has settled into the lungs. Pneumonia can be caused by viruses, fungi and bacteria. Bacterial pneumonia is the most serious and the most common type of pneumonia in adults, reports Medline Plus. Signs and symptoms include shortness of breath when resting or during activity, cough, fever, fatigue, headache and loss of appetite. Some patients will need to be treated in the hospital to receive oxygen, breathing treatments and antibiotics through an IV. For people who can be treated at home, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics.
