What Is The Cause Of Shortness of Breath?

Do You Feel Short Of Breath?

Dozens of disorders can be the cause of shortness of breath. The most common causes are broken down into general categories below.

When you feel short of breath, it can be a terrifying experience. Severe shortness of breath can be frightening regardless of the cause. Shortness of breath is often accompanied by tightening in the chest, or in some cases, chest pain (angina).

The medical name for feeling shortness of breath is dyspnea. As mentioned above, there are many different physical disorders which can be a cause of shortness of breath, but sometimes it may also be caused by vigorous exercise or visiting a place that's high above sea level where the air is thin. Extreme temperatures may also be a cause of feeling of shortness of breath.

Allergies There are several different kinds of allergies that cause you to feel short of breath. These include food allergies (such as peanuts or wheat products), insect bites and stings, and allergies to certain medications.

Lung and respiratory conditions Most people are familiar with asthma, which is a disorder of the lungs that often causes constant shortness of breath. Asthma often strikes children and adolescents, and becomes less severe (or even disappears) when they reach adulthood.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, often called COPD, has symptoms that are similar to asthma. COPD however, more often affects adults who have smoked for a long time, causing damage inside their lungs. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are two types of COPD.

Lung cancer, one of the most serious forms of lung disease, is a common cause of constant shortness of breath. Click on lung cancer to see a series of articles

A condition called pleural effusion will make you feel short of breath. Pleural effusion occurs when fluid accumulates in the space that surrounds the lungs in the chest cavity.

You're also likely to feel short of breath when you have pneumonia or some other type of lung infection.

Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that attacks the lungs and causes nearly constant shortness of breath.

A pulmonary embolism is a dangerous blood clot can cause passages in the lungs to close. Naturally, this reduces your ability to breathe freely. A pulmonary embolism is a medical emergency that requires quick medical attention.

Pulmonary hypertension is a type of hypertension that only affects the arteries in the lungs. Shortness of breath is a symptom of pulmonary hypertension.

There are several disorders that cause a feeling of shortness of breath when fluid collects in or around the lungs. Pulmonary edema, which is more commonly known as fluid in the lungs, occurs when the blood vessels between the blood and the heart begin to leak. Fluid begins to fill the alveoli, which are the small sacs inside the lungs that hold air. When fluid seeps into the alveoli, lung function is compromised. It is often caused by one of several forms of heart disease.

Heart problems can cause constant shortness of breath even if no fluid collects in the lungs. These include heart failure, coronary artery disease, and heart palpitations. Shortness of breath accompanied by chest pain (angina) is a classic symptom of a heart attack.

Anemia When you have anemia, your body is producer fewer red blood cells than you need. Red blood cells carry oxygen to your tissues and organs, so you'll suffer oxygen deficiency when your red blood cell count is low. Your body responds by trying to bring more oxygen into your lungs to make up the deficiency, often leaving you short of breath.

Anxiety and panic disorders are another common cause of shortness of breath. Anxiety and panic attacks put you into a "fight or flight" mode. Your body responds by preparing to fight or fly...both of which require more oxygen.

Environmental pollutants like animal hair and dander, smog, dust and plant allergens in the air, mold, and chemical pollutants lead a long list of irritants that can all cause shortness of breath.

Finally, it will probably come as no surprise that obesity is a major cause of shortness of breath. The harder your body has to work to carry excess weight, the more oxygen it needs. Sometimes, the need for oxygen overwhelms the ability of the lungs to provide it, and shortness of breath is the result.

Constant shortness of breath itself isn't often life threatening, it can be a symptom of a life threatening disorder or disease. Take dyspnea seriously, especially if shortness of breath is accompanied by other symptoms like chest pain, fever, chills, n nausea or vomiting. Get medical attention as quickly as possible if you experience these symptoms.

Do you still want to learn more about shortness of breath by typing a relevant keyword or phrase in the search box below.

 

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