Shortness of Breath Reasons - Should I Be Worried?

When you experience shortness of breath for no reason while eating, speaking. You might wonder if there is something to worry about. Breathing difficulty (dyspnea) affects around 1 in every 10 adults. Various possible reasons can lead to shortness of breath issues, and just like other health problems like dizziness, fatigue, and abdominal pain, shortness of breath too has several causes.

While a few are harmless, a few may be the signs of a possible complication. Though a common complaint in adults, it is a tough diagnostic challenge. Being aware of the symptoms will take you a step further in deciding whether or not the breathing difficulty is a cause of concern.

Causes of Shortness Of Breath 

Here we discuss some possible reasons Shortness Of Breath to understand various respiratory problems factors, which helps to prevent and treatment to breathing problems.

• In older people: If you are an older person, then your breathing problems will most likely be associated with a heart or lung disease such as COPD, pneumonia, and heart failure. Other causes include stroke and cancer. It is advised to consult a doctor if you are experiencing serious breathing problems for the past few days and more so if you see other symptoms. Symptoms to worry about are pain or trouble staying upright.
• In the young: The common causes of shortness of breath in younger people are usually minor and partially treatable. Shortness of breath may occur due to myofascial pain syndrome. This is a condition in which trigger points or muscle knots occur in the respiratory muscles. Other causes are pneumonia and bad respiratory habits and/or weak breathing muscles.
• Stress can be the cause: Another common cause of shortness of breath in teenagers and working professionals is anxiety. This is a very significant cause and should be taken seriously because this may not necessarily be a minor problem. Its diagnosis is still reassuring when compared to other medical problems since this can be worked upon with a few techniques.
• Asthma: One of the possible reasons for shortness of breath is asthma. It is a serious condition in which the passage of air becomes narrow and swells up and produces extra mucus. This can result in shortness of breath, triggers wheezing, coughing, and also makes breathing difficult. It cannot be cured but the symptoms can be controlled, and it is also necessary to consult with the doctor to track the symptoms and adjust the treatment.
• Pulmonary embolism: It is a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs. In 95% of the cases of pulmonary embolism, it is caused due to blood clots that travel to the lungs from the legs or some other parts of the body. As the clot blocks the flow of blood to the lungs, it can also be life-threatening besides causing a shortage of breath.
• Hiatal Hernia: This is caused when part of our stomach pushes upward through your diaphragm. Our diaphragm usually has a small opening through which our esophagus or food pipe passes and connects the stomach. The stomach pushes up through this opening in case of a hiatal hernia and results in shortness of breath. In most of the cases, it can be cured by medications, but in some situations, surgery is required.
• Carbon Monoxide poisoning: Another leading cause of shortness of breath is carbon monoxide poisoning. It is caused when carbon monoxide builds up in our bloodstream. When there is excessive carbon monoxide in the surrounding air, our body replaces the oxygen in our red blood cells or RBCs with the carbon monoxide in the air. Appliances that are improperly ventilated and engines, especially in a sealed or tightly enclosed space might allow carbon monoxide to accumulate in our bloodstream to a dangerous level.

Shortness of Breath - Should you worry or not?

• When the breathing difficulty is caused due to an acute condition like pneumonia or a chronic condition like asthma, treating the cause is imperative. Because, when the cause is treated, the episodes of shortness of breath is reduced.
• Any patient suffering from any one or more of the problems mentioned above can still take a sigh of relief as remedies are available. Various pressure point massages can be performed with proper technique to ease out the trigger points when you are suffering from muscle knots.
• When it comes to bad breathing habits, old habits die hard. Although changing your bad breathing habits may seem frustrating at first, it is relatively easier to achieve this if taken up with the mentality of achieving a goal. If regular breathing exercises are performed, respiratory strength can be increased. Moreover, breathing correctly has many long-term benefits as well.
• Anxiety is more of a mind over body kind of thing. Although it may seem tough to overcome, determined, and headstrong people can find relief if they try.

Facing Breathin Problem - Ensuring Safety First

If you are wondering about whether your condition is serious or not, it is advised to tell your doctor about any persisting symptoms of shortness of breath you are facing. If you have developed any new symptoms such as a chronic wheeze or cough, fatigue and pale appearance, dry, painful cough and shortness of breath during physical activity, then these are slow and sneaky indicators of the onset of some serious medical problem.

Thus, breathing difficulty occurring often is a reason to worry, and you must seek medical advice at the earliest. In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

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