What is shortness of breath like

If shortness of breath continues to progress despite lifestyle modifications and treatment, your doctor may refer you to a pulmonologist or cardiologist, depending on the source of your shortness of breath. A pulmonologist or cardiologist can run the more in-depth tests needed to fully understand your condition and identify the most effective way s to manage it," explains Dr.

July 7, - Katie McCallum. The many causes of shortness of breath include: Asthma Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD Pulmonary hypertension Pulmonary fibrosis Respiratory tract infection, including pneumonia or bronchitis Heart conditions, such as cardiomyopathy, heart attack and heart failure Obesity Being out of shape muscle deconditioning Anxiety or panic attacks Where do you feel shortness of breath?

Shortness of breath is felt in your chest and can manifest as: Difficulty catching your breath Feeling a need to breathe more quickly or deeply Not feeling able to take a full, deep breath Feeling huffy and puffy "You may first notice shortness of breath during physical activity. To find the cause of your shortness of breath, your doctor may order a chest X-ray or an electrocardiogram ECG.

During this test, your doctor will have you lie down so your heart can be monitored. The ECG machine makes a picture called a tracing that shows your heart's electrical signals. Your doctor may measure your breathing and the oxygen level in your blood. Back to Health A to Z. Shortness of breath might not be anything to worry about, but sometimes it can be serious and you'll need to get medical help.

You're struggling to breathe or you have sudden shortness of breath and:. You could be having a heart attack or a problem with your lungs or airway. People can experience shortness of breath when they walk, climb stairs, run, or even when they stand still, the ALA says. Cutler says. Most shortness of breath is due to heart and lung conditions, given that your heart and lungs are involved in transporting oxygen to your body and removing carbon dioxide, the ALA explains.

Problems with either of these things can impact your breathing. The ALA specifically calls out these conditions that can lead to shortness of breath:. Anxiety, which many people are experiencing right now , can also cause shortness of breath, points out Kathryn A. Boling, M. One is seeing how well you can breathe when you talk.