What is Good for Shortness of Breath? What Causes Shortness of Breath?
Shortness of breath is the feeling of not being able to get enough air or having trouble breathing. This condition may occur as a result of many different health problems related to the respiratory system. Shortness of breath, also called dyspnea in medical terms, can occur mildly or severely. Many different factors can cause respiratory distress. This may make it difficult to diagnose and treat the disease. Breathing difficulties can be caused by heart or lung problems, but also by other conditions such as anemia, anxiety, lack of exercise, or obesity. Shortness of breath can occur acutely or chronically. Acute shortness of breath can occur rapidly. Acute shortness of breath, which can improve in a short time, can occur as a result of allergies, anxiety, exercise and some health problems (such as a cold or flu). More serious health problems such as a heart attack, sudden airway narrowing (anaphylaxis), or blood clot (pulmonary embolism) can also cause acute dyspnea. Chronic dyspnea is long-lasting (several weeks or longer) or recurring shortness of breath. Some health problems, such as asthma, heart failure, and COPD, can cause chronic shortness of breath. Dyspnea that occurs suddenly or with severe symptoms may be a sign of a serious medical condition.
What is Good for Shortness of Breath?
Applications that are good for shortness of breath may vary depending on the factor causing this condition. Some of the practices that are generally good for breathing difficulties are as follows:
- Practicing breathing exercises,
- Avoiding triggers such as air pollution, chemicals and allergens,
- Doing regular physical activity
- Taking care to stay at a healthy weight.
Such practices may be effective in preventing dyspnea. However, it may contribute to reducing existing breathing difficulties.
What Causes Shortness of Breath?
Dyspnea can often occur as a result of health problems related to the heart and lungs. However, some health problems such as asthma, allergies or anxiety can also cause respiratory distress. Intense exercise or a cold can also cause feelings of difficulty breathing. Some of the conditions that cause dyspnea include:
- Asthma: Difficulty in breathing as a result of narrowing and inflammation of the airways. This may cause breathing difficulties.
- COPD: It is the general name for lung diseases such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Narrowing of the airways and damage to the lung tissue can cause dyspnea.
- Heart Failure: It is a condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood. In people with heart failure, fluid accumulation in the lungs and dyspnea may occur.
- Anemia: It is a condition in which there are few red blood cells or hemoglobin (oxygen-carrying substance) in the body. It may cause breathing difficulties in people with anemia because not enough oxygen is carried in the body.
- Anxiety: Intense feelings of worry, fear or stress may indicate anxiety. In people with anxiety, the heartbeat may accelerate, muscles may become tense, and respiratory distress may occur.
- Pulmonary Embolism: Blockage of an artery leading to the lungs with a clot is known as pulmonary embolism. People with pulmonary embolism may experience sudden and severe respiratory distress.
- Lung Cancer: It is the uncontrolled proliferation of abnormal cells in the lung tissue. People with lung cancer may experience symptoms such as coughing, coughing up blood, and difficulty breathing.
- Pneumonia: Inflammation of the lungs can lead to pneumonia. People with pneumonia may have fever, cough, phlegm, and dyspnea.
Shortness of breath is a health problem that can negatively affect quality of life. It is very important to diagnose and treat the diseases that cause this condition at an early stage.
What are the symptoms of shortness of breath?
As a result of shortness of breath, different symptoms may occur in the body. Some of the symptoms that occur as a result of shortness of breath are as follows:
- Shortness of breath or feeling out of breath during any movement,
- Tightness, pain or pressure in the chest,
- Cough, phlegm or wheezing,
- Difficulty breathing during or after exercise or physical activity,
- Difficulty breathing while lying down,
- Feeling difficult to breathe when exposed to environmental factors such as altitude, cold weather or polluted air.
Such symptoms can help diagnose shortness of breath. To diagnose shortness of breath, a physical examination may be performed first by the doctor. However, some tests may be requested in addition to the physical examination. These tests may include:
- Chest X-ray: X-rays or other special imaging tests can help determine if there is a problem with the lungs that may cause breathing difficulties.
- Blood tests: Can help diagnose some diseases that cause respiratory distress (such as anemia).
- Lung Function Tests: These tests can help determine how well you are breathing.
- Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test: A treadmill or stationary bike can be used for this test. This test can also help determine the amount of oxygen taken in and carbon dioxide exhaled during exercise.
How to Treat Shortness of Breath?
Difficulty breathing can occur as a result of different health problems. Therefore, in people experiencing shortness of breath, the underlying health problem must first be determined. Treatment for shortness of breath may vary depending on the disease or condition causing respiratory distress.
Dyspnea treatment may include medication, oxygen therapy, breathing exercises, surgery, or lifestyle changes.
Some of the drugs used in the treatment of dyspnea are as follows:
- Bronchodilators: These medications widen the airways, making breathing easier.
- Corticosteroids: Relieves breathing by reducing inflammation in the respiratory tract.
- Diuretics: Relieves the burden on the heart and lungs by removing excess fluid from the body.
- Anticoagulants: These medications increase blood flow to the lungs by preventing blood clotting.
- Antibiotics: Used to treat shortness of breath due to bacterial infections.
Using such medications may help improve shortness of breath. Other methods used to treat shortness of breath may include:
- Oxygen Therapy: This treatment increases blood oxygen levels by delivering oxygen to the respiratory tract. Oxygen therapy may be used for conditions such as lung disease, heart failure, anemia, or carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Breathing Exercises: Breathing exercises are very effective in the treatment of dyspnea. Breathing exercises improve breathing by strengthening the respiratory muscles. Such exercises may be preferred in cases such as asthma, COPD, anxiety or obesity.
- Surgical Applications: Surgical intervention used in the treatment of dyspnea is used to correct structural or functional problems that cause respiratory distress. Surgical intervention may be used in cases such as lung cancer, pneumothorax, heart valve disease or hiatal hernia.
- Lifestyle Changes: Lifestyle changes may be necessary to reduce factors that cause or contribute to respiratory distress. Lifestyle changes may include measures such as eating healthy, exercising regularly, managing stress, avoiding allergens and pollutants, and getting vaccinated.
Shortness of breath is a serious health problem that needs to be treated early. This condition needs to be diagnosed early to be treated effectively. Going for regular doctor check-ups can help diagnose shortness of breath at an early stage. A medical examination can determine the factors causing shortness of breath. Treating the factors that cause shortness of breath can help prevent respiratory distress. Therefore, it is very important to consult a healthcare institution in case of shortness of breath.
