Shortness of breath, also known as dyspnea, is a feeling of difficulty breathing, it can be caused by lung or heart conditions, anxiety, or other underlying health issues. Shortness of breath can be a symptom of a serious condition. Consult a healthcare professional if you experience persistent or severe shortness of breath.
| Causes | Lung disease, Heart condition, Anemia |
|---|---|
| Remedies | Oxygen therpay, lifestyle changes, yoga and excercise |
| Preventive Options | Regular Excercise, Healthy diet, Deep Breathing |
| Treatment Options | Medications(Bronchodilators, Corticosteroids), Pulmonary Rehabilitaion |
| Specialist | Pulmonologist |
Shortness of breath, or dyspnea, can be a frightening and distressing experience. It can cause feelings of panic, anxiety, and fear. When someone suffers from shortness of breath, it can feel like they can't get enough air into their lungs, which can lead to feelings of suffocation. This can cause a person to become anxious and tense, their heart rate may increase, and they may start to feel lightheaded or dizzy. It can also cause isolation and hopelessness, especially if the individual has a chronic condition that causes dyspnea.
The symptoms of shortness of breath come along with other disease conditions. Let's look at what are the other symptoms that are linked to dyspnea.
There are several types of shortness of breath, each with its causes and triggers. Some of the most common types include in the following list.
Shortness of breath can be a symptom of many different disease conditions. Some examples include in the following list.
The diagnosis of shortness of breath may involve a combination of a physical examination, laboratory tests, and imaging studies. Some of the steps that may be taken to diagnose shortness of breath include:
Treatment for shortness of breath depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the symptoms.
Medications
Depending on the underlying cause, medications such as bronchodilators, corticosteroids, oxygen therapy, and diuretics may be prescribed to help open airways, reduce inflammation, and improve lung function.
Pulmonary rehabilitation
This program includes exercise, education, and breathing techniques to help improve lung function and reduce shortness of breath.
Oxygen therapy
This treatment involves breathing in oxygen from a tank or nasal cannula to help increase the amount of oxygen in the body.
Surgery
Surgery may be necessary to treat the underlying condition causing shortness of breath, such as removal of lung tumors or correction of structural defects.
Lifestyle changes
Quitting smoking, avoiding exposure to pollutants, and maintaining a healthy weight can help to reduce shortness of breath.
Shortness of breath, also known as dyspnea, can be caused by a variety of factors, such as lung disease, heart disease, or anxiety. Here are some preventive measures that may help reduce the likelihood of experiencing shortness of breath.
It's generally recommended to see a doctor if you have persistent or severe shortness of breath.
Chest pain: If you experience chest pain, tightness or discomfort, it's important to seek medical attention. Rapid or irregular heartbeat: If you have a rapid or irregular heartbeat, it may be a sign of a serious condition and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
If you experience shortness of breath during normal physical activity, it may be a sign of an underlying condition and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
If you have shortness of breath and are concerned about your health, it is important to seek immediate medical attention from a qualified shortness of breath doctor. A doctor specializing in treating shortness of breath, such as a Pulmonologist, would be the right health professional to consult.
Here is a list of Top verified doctors for shortness of breath. You can book an appointment with one to start your shortness of breath treatment today.
Fortis Hospital, Mohali
Rs. 550 Consult Fees
Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai
Rs. 2,500 Consult Fees
KMC Hospital, Mangalore
Rs. 550 Consult Fees
A hospital can provide various services to help diagnose and treat your shortness of breath. If you are experiencing shortness of breath In that case, it is important to visit a shortness of breath hospital for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Check a list of Top Hospitals for shortness of breath treatment.
Multi Speciality Hospital
Established in 1918
🛌345 Beds
5+ Doctors 
Super Speciality Hospital
Established in 1950
🛌350 Beds
5+ Doctors 
Multi Speciality Hospital
Established in 1962
🛌1000 Beds
5+ Doctors Frequently asked questions and answers about shortness of breath.
Can shortness of breath be caused by stress or anxiety?
Yes, stress and anxiety can cause shortness of breath. It's a symptom of a condition called hyperventilation.
What is the main cause of shortness of breath?
Anxiety is the most common causes of shortness of breath in people who don’t have any other health problems. It can have many causes and it’s important for a patient to consult with a doctor.
Can exercise cause shortness of breath?
Yes, shortness of breath can occur during exercise, this is normal and it's caused by an increased demand of oxygen by the body. But if it becomes severe or persistent it may indicate an underlying condition and you should see a doctor.
What are the signs of shortness of breath?
Some common signs of shortness of breath include: A tight sensation in your chest A feeling of suffocation Wheezing Fatigue Fainting sensation Difficulty inhaling or exhaling
Can shortness of breath be a symptom of COVID-19?
Yes, shortness of breath is a common symptom of COVID-19 and should be taken seriously. If you have been in contact with someone with COVID-19 or if you have recently traveled to an area with a high number of COVID-19 cases, you should seek medical attention if you experience shortness of breath.
How do you beat shortness of breath?
You can try multiple things to beat shortness of breath like stopping smoking, avoiding exposure to pollutants, allergens and environmental toxins and losing weight.
Reviews by patients on different.
Bhakta Biswas
Fortis Hospital
<p>Dr Mrinal Sircar is one of the best dermatologist. She is very friendly and jovial. I have consulted her 2 times at Fortis Hospital Noida. Have always seen her smiling and talking to all her patients. During my 1st appointment, she asked me a lot of questions about my food intake. After looking at my rash, she was so certain it was due to some changes in food. And, it was indeed. I had started a natural tonic that was giving me allergic reaction. I was completely unaware of this. The treatment included medicated moisturizing cream and 2 tablets for 7 days. I am really relieved that I consulted Dr Mrinal.</p>
Janak Nandini Mishra
Peerless Hospital
I was suffering from fever for the past few days. So I consulted Dr. Ajoy Krishna Sarkar. He is a polite and humble doctor. He gave medicines and suggested effective medicines. After taking the medicines for 4 days, I am perfectly alright.
Mahesh
Peerless Hospital
Dr. Ajoy Krishna Sarkar is an experienced doctor. He is very understanding and prescribes effective medicines. He guides his patients in the correct direction.
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