10 Shortness of Breath Causes
Article Sources
- 1. Jason S. Fritz, MD. ‘Shortness Of Breath: What Your Body Might Be Telling You.' Penn Medicine, Penn Medicine Health Blogs, 22 Aug. 2020, www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/heart-and-vascular-blog/2016/may/shortness-of-breath.
- 2. Publishing, Harvard Health. ‘Shortness of Breath: A Common Symptom with Many Possible Causes.' Harvard Health, www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/shortness-of-breath-a-common-symptom-with-many-possible-causes.
- 3. Joy, Kevin. ‘Why Does Pulmonary Hypertension Cause Shortness of Breath?' Health & Wellness Topics, Health Tips & Disease Prevention, 1 Aug. 2017, healthblog.uofmhealth.org/heart-health/why-does-pulmonary-hypertension-cause-shortness-of-breath.
- 4. Wyrwich, Kathleen W et al. ‘Observational longitudinal study of symptom burden and time for recovery from community-acquired pneumonia reported by older adults surveyed nationwide using the CAP Burden of Illness Questionnaire.' Patient related outcome measures 6 215-2 30 Jul. 2015, doi:10.2147/PROM.S85779
- 5. Molinari, Giuliano et al. ‘Respiratory allergies: a general overview of remedies, delivery systems, and the need to progress.' ISRN allergy vol. 2014 326980. 12 Mar. 2014, doi:10.1155/2014/326980
Shortness of breath or dyspnea happens when an individual feels that they cannot breathe in enough air. It’s not a disease by itself but can be a symptom of some underlying medical problems.1Jason S. Fritz, MD. ‘Shortness Of Breath: What Your Body Might Be Telling You.’ Penn Medicine, Penn Medicine Health Blogs, 22 Aug. 2020, www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/heart-and-vascular-blog/2016/may/shortness-of-breath. There are times when it can get severe and require medical help.
Many conditions can lead to shortness of breath. In some instances, it may follow up with other symptoms like fever or cough and affect daily activities. Sudden and severe instances of shortness of breath require immediate medical attention. Discover the 10 main causes of shortness of breath.
1. Cardiac Conditions
There are many cardiovascular conditions that can cause shortness of breath, including angina, heart failure and arrhythmias. When the heart can’t pump sufficient blood to other vital organs, the body attempts to increase its oxygen intake. As a result, people attempt to breathe heavier and more often, and they may feel short of breath.2Publishing, Harvard Health. ‘Shortness of Breath: A Common Symptom with Many Possible Causes.’ Harvard Health, www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/shortness-of-breath-a-common-symptom-with-many-possible-causes.
Cardiac tamponade, excessive fluids in the pericardium, which is the sac around the heart, also causes shortness of breath. Heart attacks, heart surgeries and tumors of the heart increase the risk to develop cardiac tamponade.
2. Asthma
Asthmatic people have episodes of wheezing and coughing, along with shortness of breath. These symptoms can be triggered by allergens, cold air or pollutants like cigarette smoke and chemical fumes.
Physical exercise or excessive stress can also lead to asthma attacks that start with shortness of breath. People with a family history of asthma may be more prone to this condition. An inhaler can help prevent the asthma attack as soon as a patient experiences symptoms.
3. Pulmonary Hypertension
Pulmonary arterial hypertension happens when the blood vessels in your lungs are constricted or blocked. It leads to reduced blood flow through the lungs and high blood pressure in the lung arteries. The condition exerts more pressure on the heart as it pumps blood.
The heart muscles can get weaker over time as this condition progresses. Shortness of breath is the most common symptom of pulmonary hypertension, especially after mild physical activity. A doctor can help you control the symptoms.3Joy, Kevin. ‘Why Does Pulmonary Hypertension Cause Shortness of Breath?’ Health & Wellness Topics, Health Tips & Disease Prevention, 1 Aug. 2017, healthblog.uofmhealth.org/heart-health/why-does-pulmonary-hypertension-cause-shortness-of-breath.
4. Anemia
Anemia can also lead to a need for repeated breaths. Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen around the body. Iron is the key facilitator of this process.
When a person suffers from anemia, various body organs do not receive sufficient oxygen. It becomes difficult to carry on with their functions. This lack of adequate oxygen levels leads to shortness of breath or dizziness. Getting medical help is essential if you feel overly fatigued without apparent reason.
5. Anxiety
Anxiety is generally associated with fear. It can cause physiological and behavioral changes to defend the body from possible threats. The heart beats faster than usual to pump more blood and prepare the muscles for immediate action.
In such instances, breathing becomes faster and more shallow. The muscles that perform the breathing process tighten, resulting in shortness of breath. Shallow breathing can also raise panic levels. Deep breathing can help control anxiety.
6. Pneumonia
When the lungs get inflamed due to a viral or bacterial infection, fluid may fill up the air sacs inside the lungs. The initial symptoms of this condition are similar to flu or the common cold. However, when the condition worsens, patients may experience shortness of breath or fast breathing.
In pneumonia, the body does not receive enough oxygen. Pneumonia patients can experience shortness of breath for weeks as they recover.4Wyrwich, Kathleen W et al. ‘Observational longitudinal study of symptom burden and time for recovery from community-acquired pneumonia reported by older adults surveyed nationwide using the CAP Burden of Illness Questionnaire.’ Patient related outcome measures 6 215-2 30 Jul. 2015, doi:10.2147/PROM.S85779
7. Extra Body Weight
Carrying a few too many pounds can cause of shortness of breath. The extra weight around the abdomen and chest region may lead to the lungs working harder than they should. The deposition of the fat tissues in the abdomen could hamper movement of the diaphragm.
This makes it difficult for the lung to expand while breathing. It reduces lung capacity, causing trouble breathing. There may be difficulty while performing some physical activities
8. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
COPD encompasses conditions like emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Though this disease may be initially asymptomatic, shortness of breath can be the first trigger people notice.5Molinari, Giuliano et al. ‘Respiratory allergies: a general overview of remedies, delivery systems, and the need to progress.’ ISRN allergy vol. 2014 326980. 12 Mar. 2014, doi:10.1155/2014/326980
If an individual has been experiencing heavy breathing or dyspnea for weeks, it can be due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Physical activities usually trigger this condition. Apart from shortness of breath, wheezing or squeaking is also common in COPD patients. If the episodes of heavy breathing are frequent and longer, it is advisable to consult a doctor.
9. Allergies
Environmental allergies could lead to trouble breathing by affecting the body’s airway. Allergic rhinitis, commonly called hay fever, can affect the sinuses and the nose. Experiencing congestion is one of its symptoms. When an individual is highly congested, it can lead to shortness of breath.
Allergies may also cause wheezing and coughing. In such cases, rapid breathing and shortness of breath are common symptoms. Seeking medication at the early signs could help in avoiding shortness of breath.
10. Dehydration
Dehydration occurs with insufficient water intake. Other conditions like gastroenteritis can cause dehydration because vomiting and diarrhea cause significant amounts of water loss in a short time.
When the body lacks essential fluids, the nasal passages, lungs and other parts of the respiratory system dry out. This creates irritation, and it may lead to trouble breathing. If shortness of breath is caused by dehydration, it will resolve quickly after drinking a couple of glasses of water. If the condition persists, visit a doctor.
