Shortness of breath, also called dyspnea, occurs when you have difficulty breathing. Intense physical exercise or nasal congestion can cause breathlessness in healthy people. Walking is a moderate form of physical exercise that usually does not cause shortness of breath in healthy people. If you experience shortness of breath when walking, consult your doctor for evaluation. Certain medical conditions can cause you experience breathlessness while walking.
Congestive Heart Failure
Dyspnea that occurs when you walk short distances can be a sign of a heart condition called congestive heart failure. Congestive heart failure is a condition in which your heart fails to pumps enough blood to meet the body's needs, according to the Cedars-Sinai website. The faulty pumping means that your body organs do not get enough oxygen. Blood that is not pumped to your body backs up in the lungs, leading to lung congestion. When your lungs are congested, you cannot breath properly. If you experience shortness of breath when walking or lying flat, consult your doctor for evaluation.
Anemia
Anemia is a common blood disorder that occurs when the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygenated blood to body tissues. If are anemic, you may experience breathlessness when you walk or perform other activities that require energy, according to MayoClinic.com. Avoid walking for long distances so as to conserve energy. Consult your doctor for further assessment and treatment.
Respiratory Problems
Dyspnea during walking is a sign of respiratory disorders such as chronic obstructive disease, pneumonia and asthma, according to the Johns Hopkins Medicine website. These diseases affect the lungs and hinder the proper oxygenation of your body, which leads to increased breathlessness especially when performing activities that require use of energy. If you experience shortness of breath during walking, make an appointment with your doctor for a physical assessment.
Obesity
Obesity can also cause breathlessness, according to Johns Hopkins. Obesity is a condition in which you have a much higher amount of body fat that what is recommended for your body size. Obesity can affect your heart, leading circulation problems. Excess fat around the chest area can also cause breathing difficulties, especially when lying flat. If you are obese, engage in moderate physical exercise for at least 30 minutes a day. Combined with a healthy diet, this will enable you to lose the excess weight that is interfering with normal breathing.
