1. Can't Seem to Catch Your Breath?
Shortness of breath feels like you just can't get enough air. It can also be accompanied by a feeling of tightness in your chest, coughing, fever or chest pain. Shortness of breath may happen only when you exercise or when lying down flat.
2. What Causes Shortness of Breath?
Shortness of breath can be caused by congestion in the lungs from a cold or the flu, as well as pneumonia. Shortness of breath is more than being out of breath from exercise; it can happen without any exertion at all. More serious diseases can cause shortness of breath, including heart failure, emphysema, asthma, pulmonary hypertension, heart valve leakage or pulmonary fibrosis. Pulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in your lungs and pulmonary fibrosis is a hardening of lung tissue. Heart failure is a chronic disease that caused fluids to build up in the lungs. Anxiety and panic attacks can also cause shortness of breath.
3. Breathe Easy
If you experience shortness of breath without having a cold or the flu, see your doctor. Shortness of breath is a symptom of a more serious problem if it continues. Testing will include blood oxygen levels and chest x-rays. Depending on those results, other tests could include CT scans, electrocardiogram, stress tests, bronchoscopy or lung biopsy. With a diagnosis of any serious heart or lung disease, discuss shortness of breath with the doctor. He will probably give you a diuretic (water pill) to reduce the excess fluid in the lungs and medication to improve the function of your heart or lungs. He may prescribe oxygen or an inhaler. The doctor may discuss the need for surgery, physical therapy or respiratory therapy to improve the shortness of breath.
4. Managing Shortness of Breath
Depending on the cause of shortness of breath, the doctor may put you on a reduced sodium diet to control excess fluid in the lungs and lower blood pressure. The doctor may recommend special breathing exercises--such as deep breathing and pursed lip breathing. The breathing exercises help increase your lung capacity and help you breathe easier. Sleep with the head of your bed elevated to help the body get rid of excess fluid around the lungs. Avoid humid conditions and strong chemicals that make breathing more difficult. Most importantly, stop smoking.
5. Handling Breathing Emergencies
Call the doctor immediately, if your shortness of breath worsens or lasts longer than a normal episode. If the shortness of breath is accompanied by chest pain, severe weakness or profuse sweating, call 911 immediately. These can be life-threatening episodes that need to be treated immediately.
