Most of the time, you are unaware of your body's efforts to breathe. An awareness of discomfort during breathing is a potentially serious symptom that something is wrong. In some cases, breathing difficulty may be caused by something relatively benign, but other times, it warrants emergency medical care. If you are having trouble breathing or experiencing discomfort, check with your doctor as soon as possible.
Types of Discomfort
Discomfort while breathing may be mild or severe. It may take the form of wheezing, which is chest tightness coupled with a high-pitched sound while breathing. Sometimes you may feel short of breath, or hungry for air, which is physically and psychologically stressful. You may experience pain upon breathing, or an uncomfortable, rattling feeling when taking a breath. You might feel as though you are having a hard time breathing if your nose or throat is very congested.
Causes
Breathing discomfort can be caused by a viral illness, such as the common cold, a throat infection or pneumonia, which is a lung infection. Allergies, obesity or a very dusty room may cause discomfort while breathing. Some people experience panic attacks, which can take the form of shortness of breath or uncomfortable breathing. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, a heart attack or an inflammation of the epiglottis are other potential causes of breathing discomfort and difficulty. If you exercise strenuously, you may experience some discomfort while breathing before your body has a chance to adjust to the activity.
Home and Medical Care
If your breathing discomfort is anything other than very mild, you should call your doctor . If you experience severe pain or other symptoms along with your breathing difficulty, call 911 or head to the emergency room. Mild breathing discomfort may be managed at home, especially if you know what the cause is. Try saline drops for a blocked nose and a saltwater gargle for a painful throat. If you have asthma and experience discomfort, use your prescribed inhaler.
Tests and Treatments
When you see your doctor, he will evaluate you for health problems involving your lungs, airways, heart and other body systems. He may perform blood tests, measure the amount of oxygen in your blood, perform and EKG and an ECG to check your heart function or prescribe a chest X-ray. Depending on the cause of your breathing discomfort, you may require medication, or you may be advised to change parts of your lifestyle by losing weight or avoiding allergens.
