Causes of Shortness of Breath

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Shortness of breath is difficulty breathing that may happen suddenly or gradually. This article covers its main causes. 

Psychological Shortness of Breath (Functional Dyspnea)

This refers to a sensation of breathlessness without an identifiable physical cause. It is often linked to psychological conditions like anxiety or panic attacks.

Common features:

1. Feeling of suffocation despite normal test results
2. Intensifies during stressful situations
3. May be accompanied by palpitations or dizziness
4. Improves with relaxation or slow, deep breathing
5. Does not affect blood oxygen levels

 Causes of Sudden Shortness of Breath

Sudden onset of breathlessness may indicate a medical emergency and requires prompt intervention.

Major causes include:

• Asthma attacks
• Pulmonary embolism (lung clot)
• Heart attack
• Carbon monoxide poisoning
• Anaphylactic shock
• Inhalation of a foreign object
• Acute pneumonia
• Cardiac arrhythmias

Symptoms of Shortness of Breath

Possible accompanying symptoms:

• Rapid breathing or difficulty inhaling/exhaling
• Chest tightness
• Wheezing or crackling sounds when breathing
• Sweating or pale skin
• Dizziness or fainting

Shortness of Breath During Pregnancy

Common causes include:

• Pressure on the diaphragm from the growing uterus (especially in the third trimester)
• Increased blood volume and cardiac output
• Hormonal changes affecting breathing patterns
• Occasionally a sign of anemia or heart/lung problems that require medical attention

Shortness of Breath in Children

Possible causes:

• Croup
• Asthma
• Respiratory infections like bronchiolitis or pneumonia
• Inhalation of a foreign object
• Congenital heart or lung defects

Severe allergic reactions

Inhalation devices for children are highly effective in relieving breathlessness, particularly in cases of asthma or bronchial infections. They deliver medication directly to the lungs and help ease breathing.

Available now at Spirit Pharmacy:

• Mesh Nebulizer Kids: Simple design and suitable for use at home.
• B.Well Medical Compressor Nebulizer - TRAIN - PRO-115: Child-friendly, fun design that encourages use. Efficient in delivering therapeutic mist.

Difference Between Psychological and Organic Shortness of Breath

Psychological Dyspnea:

• Occurs during anxiety or stress
• No severe physical symptoms
• Improves gradually with relaxation
• Oxygen levels remain normal

Organic Dyspnea:

• Linked to heart or lung disease
• Occurs with even minimal exertion or at rest
• Worsens over time if untreated
• Requires medical investigations to identify the cause

When is Shortness of Breath Dangerous?

In some cases, shortness of breath is a warning sign of a serious condition that needs emergency care.

Seek medical help immediately if accompanied by:

1. Chest pain
2. Bluish lips or face (cyanosis)
3. Rapid or irregular heartbeat
4. Fainting or severe dizziness
5. Coughing up blood
6. Sudden unexplained breathlessness

Effective Solutions Available at Spirit Pharmacy:

• B.Well Medical Compressor Nebulizer PRO-110: High-efficiency device for adults. Ideal for home use in asthma, allergies, or chronic respiratory conditions.
• ROSSMAX COMPACT PISTON NEBULIZER NL100: Designed for adults, provides efficient medication delivery for treating breathlessness and respiratory diseases.

Conclusion

Shortness of breath may be a mild symptom related to anxiety or a sign of a serious health issue. Accurate diagnosis is key to proper treatment. Do not hesitate to consult a doctor if you experience persistent or unusual symptoms.

Sources:

• https://www.mayoclinic.org/ar/symptoms/shortness-of-breath/basics/causes/sym-20050890
• https://altibbi.com/%D9%85%D8%B5%D8%B7%D9%84%D8%AD%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%B7%D8%A8%D9%8A%D8%A9/%D8%A7%D9%85%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%B6-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AC%D9%87%D8%A7%D8%B2-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AA%D9%86%D9%81%D8%B3%D9%8A/%D8%B6%D9%8A%D9%82-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D9%81%D8%B3