Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea)

Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea)

Shortness of breath, known medically as dyspnea, is often described as an intense tightening in the chest, air hunger, difficulty breathing, breathlessness, or a feeling of suffocation.

Very strenuous exercise, extreme temperatures, obesity, and higher altitudes can all cause shortness of breath in a healthy person. Outside of these examples, shortness of breath is likely a sign of a medical problem.

Causes

• Lung problems, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or lung cancer
• Heart problems, such as a heart attack or heart failure
• Infections of your airways, such as croup, bronchitis, pneumonia, COVID-19, flu, or even a cold
• A panic attack or anxiety
• Allergic reactions
• Pulmonary embolism
• Anemia