Shortness of Breath
Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath, also called dyspnea, is the feeling of not getting enough air. It is normal with hard exercise, but not with everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs or getting dressed. Because breathing depends on the lungs, heart, blood and muscles, finding the cause takes a careful evaluation.
Possible causes include:
- Asthma and COPD
- Interstitial lung disease or pulmonary fibrosis
- Pulmonary hypertension or blood clots in the lungs
- Heart conditions
- Anemia, deconditioning or excess weight
- Fluid around the lungs
If you have sudden shortness of breath, chest pain or are coughing up blood, call 911.
Diagnosis & Treatment
How we evaluate shortness of breath
- Pulmonary function tests
- A 6-minute walk test with oxygen monitoring
- Chest X-ray or CT scan
- Blood tests and review of heart testing, such as an echocardiogram
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause and may include inhalers, oxygen, pulmonary rehabilitation, treatment of heart or blood conditions, or procedures. We coordinate with your primary care doctor and cardiologist when needed.
See also: COPD & Emphysema · Pulmonary Hypertension