What Causes Shortness Of Breath?

Shortness of breath can be an alarming symptom that makes everyday activities feel like overwhelming challenges. Whether it comes on suddenly or develops gradually over time, difficulty breathing can signal that something isn’t quite right in your body, and it often warrants medical attention.

So, what causes shortness of breath? Common causes of shortness of breath include:

• Asthma
• Heart conditions
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Pneumonia
• Physical exertion or obesity
• Blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism)
• Anxiety and panic attacks

Don’t wait until breathing difficulties become severe to seek medical attention. If you’re experiencing unexplained shortness of breath, visit your nearest Complete Care freestanding ER location. Our experienced medical team is available 24/7 to provide prompt, comprehensive care when you need it most.

For life-threatening situations, please call 911.

What is shortness of breath?

Shortness of breath, also known as dyspnea, typically means that you’re struggling to get enough air in your lungs. This common but concerning symptom can range from mild discomfort to severe distress and may occur during physical activity or even while resting. For some people, it might feel like they can’t take a deep breath, while others describe it as a tightening in their chest or having to work harder to breathe.

Along with feeling out of breath and having difficulty breathing, common symptoms include:

• Tightness in your chest
• Swelling in your feet and ankles
• Lips or fingertips turning blue
• Wheezing
• High fever
• Coughing

If your shortness of breath occurs very suddenly and is accompanied by chest pain or nausea, you should call 911 immediately as this could be a sign of a heart attack, and you may need immediate medical attention.

Common reasons for shortness of breath

Asthma

Asthma-related difficulty breathing often starts with wheezing, chest tightness, and a persistent cough. Asthma can be triggered by exercise, allergies, cold air, or respiratory infections. People with asthma typically notice their symptoms worsen at night or early in the morning and may experience seasonal variations in their breathing difficulties.

During an asthma attack, the airways become inflamed and constricted, making it progressively harder to breathe. Quick-relief inhalers and medications can usually provide immediate improvement; however, severe asthma symptoms require immediate medical attention.

Heart conditions

Shortness of breath caused by heart problems often feels different from other causes — people typically describe it as feeling unable to get enough air, even when resting. This type of breathing difficulty may worsen when lying flat and may be accompanied by swelling in the legs or ankles.

Heart attack warning signs often include breathing problems alongside left-side pain and a sensation of pressure or squeezing in the chest. When heart conditions cause breathing difficulties, they frequently worsen with physical activity and improve with rest. Some people may experience stomach and chest pain together, which can be a serious warning sign.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

COPD causes a progressive decline in lung function, leading to persistent breathing problems that typically worsen over time. People with COPD often notice their symptoms are worse in the morning and during physical activities. The condition is frequently accompanied by a chronic cough and increased mucus production.

Unlike asthma, COPD-related breathing difficulties don’t fully reverse with medication, though treatments can help manage symptoms. People with COPD may need to pace themselves during daily activities and often benefit from pulmonary rehabilitation programs.

Pneumonia

Walking pneumonia symptoms can be subtle at first, with mild breathing difficulties that gradually worsen. When pneumonia causes breathing problems, it’s typically accompanied by fever, cough with mucus, and fatigue. The severity can range from mild cases that feel like a bad cold to severe infections requiring hospitalization.

Pneumonia-related breathing difficulties often feel worse when lying down and may be accompanied by chest pain that worsens with deep breaths or coughing. Recovery time varies but can take several weeks, even with appropriate treatment.

Physical exertion or obesity

Breathing difficulties related to physical exertion or obesity typically develop gradually and improve with rest. This type of shortness of breath usually occurs during activities that wouldn’t cause breathing problems in someone of healthy weight or in good physical condition. The good news is that these symptoms often improve with weight loss and increased physical conditioning.

The extra weight places additional demands on the heart and lungs, making it harder to breathe during everyday activities. A structured exercise program and weight management plan can help reduce these symptoms over time.

Blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism)

Pulmonary embolisms occur when arteries in your lungs become blocked by blood clots, and can cause sudden and severe breathing problems, often accompanied by sharp chest pain and a rapid heartbeat. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention at the nearest ER. The breathing difficulties typically worsen with even mild exertion and may be accompanied by coughing up blood.

Unlike other reasons for shortness of breath, pulmonary embolism symptoms usually come on suddenly and can be severe. Risk factors include recent surgery, long periods of inactivity, and certain medical conditions. Wondering when to go to the ER? If you suspect a pulmonary embolism, seek emergency care immediately, as this condition can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

Anxiety and panic attacks

When shortness of breath that comes and goes is caused by anxiety, it’s often accompanied by other symptoms like racing thoughts, sweating, and a rapid heartbeat. Trouble breathing typically intensifies during stressful situations and may be paired with chest tightness or tingling in the extremities. 

Many people experiencing anxiety-induced dyspnea find relief through deep breathing exercises and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques. However, it’s important to have unexplained shortness of breath evaluated by a medical professional to rule out other conditions.

How do you diagnose shortness of breath?

How do you know if your shortness of breath is serious? If your shortness of breath occurs in any of the following situations, or is particularly painful and acute, you should head to your nearest emergency room:

• Not caused by extraneous exercise
• Was an unexpected result of another activity
• Occurred suddenly
• Persistent across daily activities that weren’t previously a problem

What will the ER do for shortness of breath?

A doctor will be able to conduct a physical to rule out different shortness of breath causes. Your doctor may ask you questions and conduct other tests to determine if you have dyspnea and what is causing it.

If your dyspnea is caused by asthma, your doctor will prescribe you an inhaler to help make breathing easier. You may also be prescribed medications to help dissolve blood clots or resolve infections that are causing your shortness of breath. If you smoke or are overweight, your doctor will request that you quit and suggest adjustments to your diet to improve your health. Your treatment plan may also include lung-strengthening exercises to help you improve your health. If your symptoms change or worsen, don’t wait to call your doctor.

Difficulty breathing? Breathe easier knowing Complete Care is here when you need us.

Understanding what causes shortness of breath is the first step in getting the care you need. Whether your breathing difficulties stem from a chronic condition or a sudden emergency, don’t wait to seek medical attention when you’re struggling to breathe. Complete Care’s freestanding emergency rooms provide comprehensive diagnostic testing and treatment for all types of breathing problems, with no appointment necessary.

Visit any of our convenient locations throughout Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas/Fort Worth, East Texas, Lubbock, San Antonio, and Colorado Springs. Our emergency-trained physicians and experienced medical teams are available 24/7 to provide the immediate, personalized care you deserve. When breathing becomes difficult, trust Complete Care to help you breathe easier.

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