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Shortness of breath that comes on suddenly (called acute) has a limited number of causes, including: Anaphylaxis. Asthma. Carbon monoxide poisoning. Cardiac tamponade (excess fluid around the heart) COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) — the blanket term for a group of diseases that block airflow from the lungs — including emphysema.
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 altitude all can cause shortness of breath in a healthy person.
When to see a doctor. Call 911 or your local emergency number or have someone drive you to the emergency room if you experience severe shortness of breath that comes on suddenly and affects your ability to function. Seek emergency medical care if your shortness of breath is accompanied by chest pain, fainting, nausea, a bluish tinge to lips or ...
Shortness of breath that can't be explained by rigorous exertion or exercise requires a prompt, accurate diagnosis. Get emergency medical care if you experience shortness of breath that: Began suddenly and affects your ability to function. Is accompanied by chest pain that lasts more than a few minutes.
Symptoms get worse as the disease progresses. Pulmonary hypertension symptoms include: Shortness of breath, at first while exercising and eventually while at rest. Blue or gray skin color due to low oxygen levels. Depending on your skin color, these changes may be harder or easier to see. Chest pressure or pain.
Fainting or severe weakness. Rapid or irregular heartbeat with shortness of breath, chest pain or fainting. Sudden, severe shortness of breath and coughing up white or pink, foamy mucus. These symptoms may be due to heart failure. But there are many other possible causes.
Emphysema is a lung condition that causes shortness of breath. In people with emphysema, the air sacs in the lungs (alveoli) are damaged. Over time, the inner walls of the air sacs weaken and rupture — creating larger air spaces instead of many small ones. This reduces the surface area of the lungs and, in turn, the amount of oxygen that ...
Produces blood. Is associated with serious or worsening shortness of breath or wheezing. Includes other serious signs and symptoms, for example, you appear pale and lethargic, have a bluish tinge to your lips and nail beds, or have trouble thinking clearly or concentrating. Lasts more than three weeks.
Trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing. Coughing or wheezing attacks that are worsened by a respiratory virus, such as a cold or the flu. Signs that your asthma is probably worsening include: Asthma signs and symptoms that are more frequent and bothersome.
This limited airflow is known as obstruction. Symptoms include trouble breathing, a daily cough that brings up mucus and a tight, whistling sound in the lungs called wheezing. COPD is most often caused by long-term exposure to irritating smoke, fumes, dust or chemicals. The most common cause is cigarette smoke.