7 shortness of breath causes and how to combat them

Shortness of breath comes in many different forms, all of which require a doctor. Use the information here to help you decide how urgently you need to see one.

• Sudden shortness of breath accompanied by chest pain or pressure, pain that radiates outward from the chest or sweating, could be very serious.
• A heart attack, arrhythmia or a blood clot that travels from the legs to the heart are all possible causes.
• If this happens to you, call your doctor or go to the emergency room.

• Airway obstruction or infection (acute pneumonia) caused by aspiration of a foreign object are all possible symptoms.
• This commonly occurs after inhaling food, drink or a foreign substance.
• If the person is choking, perform the Heimlich maneuver.
• Otherwise, go to the emergency room, where a bronchoscope or laryngoscope can be used to remove a foreign object.
• If infection is present, antibiotics may be prescribed.

• Anaphylactic shock is characterized by sudden shortness of breateh.
• It commonly happens after exposure to an allergen such as nuts, shellfish or eggs.
• It may be accompanied by itching, hives, swelling of the tongue or reddened skin.
• The best solution is to to the hospital immediately or use an Epi-pen, if your doctor has prescribed one.

• Asthma or an environmental allergy can cause shortness of breath and other symptoms.
• Possible causes include exposure to dust, pollen or pet dander.
• If you suffer from these symptoms, use an inhaler if you have one. Or, take an antihistamine.

• Shortness of breath can occur before, during or after a very stressful or anxiety-provoking experience.
• A panic attack may come on suddenly and may be accompanied by sweating, hyperventilation, nausea, chest pain or tightness in your throat.
• If you're hyperventilating, breathe through pursed lips as if you were going to blow out a candle.
• Or, cover your mouth and one nostril and breathe through the other nostril.
• If it's your first panic attack, go to the emergency room to make sure you're not having a heart attack.
• If attacks continue, see your doctor, who may recommend medication or behavioral therapy.

• Bronchitis or pneumonia usually comes with shortness of breath that comes on gradually.
• It can last for a week or more, and is accompanied by fever or cold or flu symptoms.
• If you have bronchitis or pneumonia, see your doctor. They will check the oxygen level in your blood.
• Treatment options include antibiotics, antifungal medication and oxygen therapy.

Shortness of breath that comes on gradually and becomes chronic could be any number of issues. With each of these, you should see your doctor, who will order diagnostic tests.

• Asthma
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Cardiovascular disease
• Emphysema
• Tumours
• Pulmonary hypertension
• Muscular dystrophy or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

When your body speaks, you should listen. And when it comes to shortness of breath, the causes can be diverse and potentially life-threatening. Always see a doctor if you're having trouble breathing. It could save your life.