Dyspnea: How to Recognize, Treat and Prevent it

Dyspnea is a medical term for feeling out of breath, usually when the body does not have enough oxygen. It can be caused by various things that affect your respiratory system, such as asthma or COPD, but it can also be caused by heart problems like congestive heart failure. Dyspnea may also occur if you are in an environment with poor air quality or high levels of pollution. We’ll explore the causes and symptoms of dyspnea, how to treat it, and what you can do to prevent it in the future.

Share This Post

Dyspnea 101 | Causes | Symptoms | Treatment | How to Prevent

Dyspnea is a medical term for feeling out of breath, usually when the body does not have enough oxygen.

It can be caused by various things that affect your respiratory system, such as asthma or COPD, but it can also be caused by heart problems like congestive heart failure.

Dyspnea may also occur if you are in an environment with poor air quality or high levels of pollution.

We’ll explore the causes and symptoms of dyspnea, how to treat it, and what you can do to prevent it in the future.

What is dyspnea?

Dyspnea, also known as shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, can be a sign that something serious such as heart disease is wrong with your body.

It occurs when our lungs are not able to get enough oxygen into the bloodstream because they do not fully expand during inhalation due to either an obstruction, such as a blockage in airflow, or decreased air exchange caused by lung diseases like asthma and emphysema.

While it may seem like you should simply breathe more deeply, this does little if you are suffering from respiratory distress.

Rather than filling up larger portions of your lungs successfully, if you are struggling with dyspnea you are only able to draw in small amounts of air at a time.

What causes Dyspnea?

Dyspnea is a medical term used to describe difficult or labored breathing. It can be acute and short-lived, such as with physical exertion, but it also occurs in chronic diseases like bronchitis and lung cancer.

Difficulties arise when you experience dyspnea for no apparent reason.

The sensation of not being able to breathe normally usually signals that something serious may be going on inside your body.

A number of conditions could lead to dyspnea such as cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat), asthma attacks, and pulmonary embolism are just a few examples. If left untreated they could prove fatal if severe enough.

Some of the most common causes of dyspnea for patients include: 

  • Lung disease, which can also affect the chest wall, such as pneumonia and chronic bronchitis
  • Heart attack
  • Pulmonary fibrosis
  • Heart disease which prevents blood from being sufficiently oxygenated throughout the body 
  • Anemia caused by having too few red blood cells or low hemoglobin levels that can’t transport enough oxygen 
  • Respiratory infections like pneumonia, bronchitis, whooping cough, influenza, tuberculosis (TB), or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) 
  • Damage to the nerves connected to breathing muscles resulting in difficulty inhaling properly called central sleep apnea

Dyspnea can also be a very normal reaction from the body, even for a healthy person.

For example, if you are in the middle of or just concluded a strenuous exercise then you would expect yourself to be breathing heavier and have some shortness of breath.

High altitude can also cause dyspnea due to a lack of oxygen at extreme heights. It only becomes a problem when it is caused by abnormal circumstances, such as some of the causes above.

What are the symptoms of dyspnea?

When you are experiencing symptoms of dyspnea, it often feels like you’re not getting enough air into your lungs when breathing.

Even though you bring a lot of air into their lungs with each breath, there isn’t much oxygen reaching the bloodstream to adequately supply your tissues and organs.

This feeling may cause you to become very anxious because it’s an unfamiliar feeling to not be able to breathe properly, a feeling that can be scary. 

Some common symptoms include: 

  • Shortness of breath 
  • Dizziness 
  • Anxiety or feeling stressed which can also lead to panic attacks 
  • Fainting spells, especially upon standing up quickly from lying down

Although there are other symptoms, you should see a doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:

  • Shortness of breath that lasts longer than a few minutes or happens while at rest
  • Chest pain, which may be worse when breathing in
  • Coughing up blood, when you can expect to see pink sputum, which can be a sign of blood clots in the lungs among other things 
  • Difficulty speaking because it’s hard to breathe

This is particularly true if the voice sounds like it is wheezing. You should also go to the doctor if you feel dizzy due to dyspnea–this might indicate low levels of oxygen in your blood.

YouTube player

If left untreated, severe respiratory diseases could lead to cardiac arrest and death.

These are some of the reasons to see your doctor or pulmonologist but never hesitate to discuss any other symptoms you may be experiencing. 

How do you treat dyspnea?

Dyspnea treatments can vary depending on the underlying cause. It can be treated through medications, oxygen therapy, or sometimes even surgery depending on what is causing it.

Pulmonary rehabilitation, or rehabbing your lungs through breathing exercises, can also be an option.

Your doctor may use blood tests to determine the cause of your condition. Dyspnea is a dangerous symptom that should not be ignored and if you experience this for long periods of time then seek out medical attention.

Treating the root cause of the problem, for example, exercising if your dyspnea is due to obesity or not living in a house with a cat if you are asthmatic and allergic to them, can often be a solution. 

Can you prevent dyspnea?

There are many things you can do to prevent dyspnea such as quitting smoking, exercising regularly, and eating healthy foods but it’s also important to note that everyone will experience some form of dyspnea at one point in their life–so don’t panic.

Maintaining a healthy sleep schedule by getting at least eight hours of sleep a night as an adult can also help avoid dyspnea.

In most cases, dyspnea is a temporary condition that will pass in time.

As always, see your healthcare provider if you experience symptoms of chronic dyspnea as it could be more serious than just being out of breath when exercising or from running upstairs too quickly.

Summary

There are many different causes of dyspnea, but it’s important to see your doctor if you experience it for an extended period of time as it could be chronic.

When you are experiencing symptoms like shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest pains, which can also lead to panic attacks and fainting spells you should seek immediate help because if left untreated severe respiratory diseases could potentially lead to cardiac arrest and death.

It is possible to sometimes prevent dyspnea by quitting smoking, exercising regularly, eating healthy foods, getting enough sleep each night (about eight hours), and avoiding triggers such as allergens.

If left untreated, dyspnea can become life-threatening so it’s important to seek medical help should you believe you are suffering from chronic dyspnea due to a condition.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information should you have any further questions. 

References, Studies and Source: 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK213/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shortness_of_breath

We are committed to providing our readers with only trusted resources and science-based studies with regards to medication and health information. 

Disclaimer: This general information is not intended to diagnose any medical condition or to replace your healthcare professional. If you suspect medical problems or need medical help or advice, please talk with your healthcare professional.

Share This Post

Pharmacists.org Discount Club

Get Started for $1.

  • Cheapest cash pay option at your retail pharmacy
  • 1,000s of drugs below $10.00 that can beat your co-pay
  • Start for $1 for your first month. Cancel anytime. 
  • Tell us your meds, we tell you the cheapest options.

Popular Destinations

Recent Articles

How Often Should You Get an Eye Exam?

Major vision problems cause an annual economic impact of 145 billion dollars per year in the United States, and vision disability is one of the top 10 disabilities among adults over the age of 18. Everyone should have their eyes checked periodically, but how often should you get an eye exam?

Read More »

Iron Infusions: Everything You Need to Know

Iron-deficiency anemia is a common condition that can cause fatigue, shortness of breath, and other health problems. If you are suffering from iron-deficiency anemia, your doctor may recommend an iron infusion as treatment. An iron infusion is a procedure in which iron is administered directly into your bloodstream. In this article, we will provide you with all the information you need to know about iron infusions including what they are, how they work, and how to prepare for them.

Read More »
what is genomic medicine

What Is Genomic Medicine?

Genomic medicine uses our genetic information to provide individualized health care. Various gene therapies can potentially cure rare diseases or conditions. Genetic testing allows people to know and understand the differences in their own genetic information. The results of genetic testing can help providers choose medications that are tailored specific genes and improve the health care of individual patients.

Read More »

Chigger Bite: Everything You Need to Know 

Do you know what chiggers are?

If not, you’re not alone. Many people have never heard of chiggers before, but they can be a real nuisance.

This article will teach you everything you need to know about chigger bites, what they are, where they live, what happens when they bite you, and how to treat them.

Read More »

Share On:

More To Explore

How Often Should You Get an Eye Exam?

Major vision problems cause an annual economic impact of 145 billion dollars per year in the United States, and vision disability is one of

The different types of lie bumps: Transient lingual papillitis, fungiform papillae, and other forms

There are many different types of lie bumps and each one has its own specific symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options available to you. We’ll discuss

Iron Infusions: Everything You Need to Know

Iron-deficiency anemia is a common condition that can cause fatigue, shortness of breath, and other health problems. If you are suffering from iron-deficiency anemia,

What Is Genomic Medicine?

Genomic medicine uses our genetic information to provide individualized health care. Various gene therapies can potentially cure rare diseases or conditions. Genetic testing allows

Chigger Bite: Everything You Need to Know 

Do you know what chiggers are? If not, you’re not alone. Many people have never heard of chiggers before, but they can be a real

What Are the Benefits of Manuka Honey?

Manuka honey is a unique type of honey that is produced in New Zealand and Australia as it is made by bees from the

How Often Can I Take Tylenol?

Tylenol, also known by the generic name acetaminophen, is a popular over-the- counter (OTC) drug that is classified as an analgesic (pain reliever) and

Coffee: Potential Benefits and Adverse Effects

In this article, we will explore coffee's history, its potential benefits, and if it is safe for everyone to consume.

Parosmia: What it is, Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Parosmia is an olfactory disorder where you have a distorted perception of smell and you may smell odors differently than you should. It can

What Is Levofloxacin?

Improper prescription and use of antibiotics over the past several decades has led to a rise in drug-resistant bacteria, many of which do not

Brown Recluse Spider Bites: What You Need to Know

In this article, we will discuss the symptoms of being bitten by a brown recluse spider, when to seek medical attention, and how to

What Is the Drug Levofloxacin Used For?

One powerful fluoroquinolone antibiotic, levofloxacin, is used to treat and prevent a number of serious infections that cannot be treated with other medications. So,

Comparison of Azithromycin and Clarithromycin

Azithromycin and clarithromycin are both macrolide antibiotics used to treat a number of different bacterial infections, including upper respiratory tract infections, lower respiratory tract

MCHC: What It Is, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and More

Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) is a measure of the average amount of hemoglobin in red blood cells with hemoglobin being responsible for transporting

What are the Symptoms of Coffee Withdrawal?

Due to the prevalence of coffee, tea, soft drinks, and energy drinks, caffeine is one of the most popular drugs in the world and

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Quercetin

This article will answer all your quercetin-related questions such as what quercetin is, how much quercetin you should take daily, what are the beneficial

How Much Does the Shingrix Vaccine Cost?

The Shingrix vaccine was approved for use in preventing shingles in 2017, and older Americans aged 50 and older are strongly advised to receive

All You Need to Know About Ringworm: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Ringworm is a fungal infection that can be seen on the skin. It can affect both children and adults, but it's most common in

CBD Oil: What You Need to Know

CBD oil is a popular natural remedy used for many common ailments. CBD is short for cannabidiol and it is one of over 100 chemical

The Top 7 Best CBD Lotions of 2023

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a cannabinoid that is found in cannabis and hemp plants. It has many supposed beneficial properties for the skin, making

CBD Topical Cream for Blemishes

If you are tired of dealing with sore, spotty skin and it is a problem that you still experience on a daily basis, now

CBD Hype: Is it Worth Buying?

The triumphant stories of many novel medications can be rooted in someone’s misfortune. Such was the story of 5-year old Charlotte Figi, who back

How to Break a Fever: Recommended Tips to Beat the Body Heat

If you are desperate to learn how to break a fever, you may be surprised to discover that there are many home remedies  you

Clindamycin vs Azithromycin: Which is Better?

Both clindamycin and azithromycin belong to a class of drugs called macrolide antibiotics, and are associated with a relatively low risk of side effects.

The Responsible Way to Take Prescribed Antibiotics

When we go to the doctor and are prescribed medication, it is important to take it exactly as prescribed. However, when it comes to

The Truth About Jojoba Oil: From the The Holistic Pharmacy

Jojoba oil is a liquid wax, also called an oil interchangeably, that's extracted from jojoba seeds, and it has been used for centuries by

What Is Eliquis?

Many people don’t think about blood clots on a daily basis, but if you’ve ever had a blood clot, then you know just how

Everything You Need to Know About Wormwood

Wormwood is a plant that has been used for thousands of years as a natural remedy. Its name comes from the Anglo-Saxon word wermode

First Oral Medication Approved for the Treatment of Spinal Muscular Atrophy

There are a few treatment options available for spinal muscular atrophy, but recently the U.S. Federal Drug and Administration (FDA) approved the first oral

Grapefruit Juice and Drug Interactions

Grapefruit juice, and other fruit juices, can interact with certain medications. Learn about the interaction of grapefruit juice with different drugs and how to