Shortness of breath can occur for many reasons and in many different subjects. In each case, it is necessary to clearly understand which symptoms require timely medical examination.
Dyspnea is a condition in which the lungs do not get enough air, causing a person to feel unable to breathe or to feel as though they are breathing less than normal. The sensation of dyspnea can vary from person to person. For example, some people feel as if they are choking, while others feel as if they cannot take a deep breath. Dyspnea is uncomfortable and can lead to complications.
Pregnant women
Shortness of breath can occur in both early and late pregnancy. During the first few months of pregnancy, increased progesterone levels cause pregnant women to breathe more than usual. The increased respiratory rate can lead to a feeling of shortness of breath. Additionally, the growing fetus can also reduce the ability of the lungs to fully expand, causing a feeling of shortness of breath.
Pregnant women with shortness of breath should seek medical attention early if they have accompanying symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, dizziness, chest pain, blue lips, persistent cough, coughing up blood, fever or chills.
Children
Shortness of breath in children can be caused by exercise but is sometimes a symptom of asthma, lung disease or heart disease. Children with difficulty breathing should see a doctor if they: wheeze, cannot sleep because of difficulty breathing, cannot breathe when resting...
Dyspnea is a condition in which the lungs cannot take in enough air, causing weak or choking breathing. Photo: Freepik
Elderly
Age is not the cause of shortness of breath, but older people are at risk of certain medical conditions that can lead to shortness of breath, such as heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Older adults should see a doctor if they experience shortness of breath and chest pain, discomfort, dizziness, fainting, difficulty breathing at night, swelling or coughing up blood...
People with Covid-19
Shortness of breath is a common symptom of Covid-19. It may be caused by pneumonia. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), shortness of breath is also more common in people who are frequently hospitalized than in those who are rarely hospitalized.
Covid-19 patients need to see a doctor if they have difficulty breathing accompanied by: fever, cough, fatigue, loss of smell and taste, headache, body aches...
Other cases
Some other common causes of shortness of breath may include:
Exercise : The exertion during exercise often increases your breathing rate and can make you short of breath.
Mood, emotions : When a person has feelings of fear or panic, it also affects breathing, leading to a feeling of difficulty breathing.
Altitude changes : Air pressure decreases as altitude increases. This decrease in pressure causes the volume of air inhaled to contain less oxygen, and the body has to work harder to breathe. Statistics show that altitudes of about 5,000 feet or higher can lead to changes in breathing, including difficulty breathing.
Environmental pollutants : Breathing in certain fumes, pollutants, and chemicals can irritate the lungs. This irritation causes the airways to narrow and become inflamed, leading to difficulty breathing.
In the above cases, you need to see a doctor if you suddenly feel short of breath or have discomfort, pain, or tightness in your chest. Other accompanying dangerous warning symptoms may include: shortness of breath at rest, shortness of breath that affects sleep, fever, wheezing, shortness of breath after light physical activity or even at rest,...
Bao Bao (According to Medical New Today, Healthline )
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