Overview
Shortness of breath, also known as dyspnoea, is a feeling of being out of breath or struggling to breathe comfortably. It’s often caused by things like low fitness levels, carrying extra weight, or even simply feeling anxious, but sometimes it can signal an underlying health issue that needs checking. Treatments range from breathing techniques and lifestyle changes to medication or medical support, depending on the cause. Though it can feel frightening, there’s often a manageable explanation behind breathlessness.
What is Shortness of Breath?
Our breathing relies on a delicate system involving the lungs, airways, muscles, and blood vessels. They all work together to move oxygen around the body. Shortness of breath happens when this system becomes strained, leaving you feeling out of breath after even light activity.
Alongside breathlessness, some people may notice other symptoms, including a tight feeling in their chest as if their lungs don’t have room to expand. Some symptoms, like coughing or wheezing, may only appear if you experience shortness of breath while you have a chest infection.
What Causes Shortness of Breath?
Shortness of breath has many possible causes, and not all are serious. For instance, it’s common to feel breathless after physical exercise, particularly if you’re not used to it or if you’re carrying extra weight or are pregnant. High altitudes can also leave you feeling short of breath as oxygen levels are lower the higher you go.
Aside from these normal scenarios, there are several health conditions that can cause breathlessness. These include:
- Asthma
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Chest infections
- Heart conditions
- Anaemia
Some people experience difficulty breathing linked to allergies, reactions to irritants like smoke or pollution, or because of anxiety.
How to Tell if Shortness of Breath is from Anxiety
During anxious moments, the body can enter ‘fight or flight’ mode, causing faster breathing, shallow breaths, and a feeling of tightness in the chest. You might also feel lightheaded, dizzy, or even notice tingling in your fingers or lips.This can all happen even when your lungs and heart are perfectly fine.
You can usually tell if your shortness of breath is caused by anxiety if you can feel your breathing improve with calming techniques. Deep breathing exercises, nose breathing, or grounding techniques can help ease the feeling of breathlessness. However, if you’re unsure whether your breathlessness is anxiety-related, it’s safest to speak with a doctor.
How is Shortness of Breath Diagnosed?
When you decide to see a doctor about shortness of breath, they will ask you about your medical history and the symptoms you’re experiencing, such as how severe the breathlessness feels, how long it’s been happening, and whether it’s constant or comes and goes. The doctor will often check vital signs (heart rate and blood pressure) and may use an oximeter, a small non-invasive device that clips onto your finger, to measure oxygen levels in your blood.
Depending on these checks, your doctor may request further testing. These may include chest X-rays, lung function tests, ECGs to check heart function, and, in some cases, the six-minute walk test to see how your breathing responds to gentle exercise. Blood tests can also help identify conditions like anaemia or infections.
What Treatments Are There For Shortness of Breath?
Treatment depends on what’s causing the breathlessness. If it’s related to an underlying condition, such as asthma or COPD, inhalers can help open the airways, and medication might be prescribed to reduce inflammation or fight off bacteria or viruses.
There are also many ways to help ease mild difficulty breathing at home. Resting, getting fresh air, and sitting upright can help. For breathlessness linked to anxiety, calming activities like meditation, relaxation techniques, and deep breathing exercises can be effective.
How Can You Prevent Shortness of Breath?
Fortunately, there are several ways that can help reduce the chance of experiencing shortness of breath. If you smoke, quitting smoking is one of the best ways to protect lung health. Maintaining a healthy weight and improving fitness levels through gentle exercise can also help the lungs and heart work more efficiently.
Even if your shortness of breath is due to an underlying health condition, there are everyday measures that can make a difference.
- Avoid exposure to smoke or strong fumes
- Practise regular breathing exercises
- Pace yourself during tasks
- Use a pillow to prop yourself up at night if breathlessness worsens when lying down
Most importantly, making sure you follow your doctor’s advice and any prescribed treatments can help manage symptoms and prevent worsening breathlessness.
When to Seek Medical Help
While shortness of breath is often harmless, it’s important not to ignore it if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- If breathing difficulty becomes severe
- Comes on suddenly and isn’t linked to recent exercise
- Is accompanied by chest pain, fainting, blue lips or fingers, or swelling in your ankles
- Worsens when you lie down
Breathlessness that’s getting worse over time, or making it hard to do normal daily activities, also needs to be checked.
Seeking medical help can provide the reassurance and help you need to identify any underlying conditions that might need treatment. It’s always better to speak with a doctor rather than wait and hope symptoms will go away.
Why Go Private with Mid Ulster Clinic For Shortness of Breath Treatment?
Private care for shortness of breath at Mid Ulster Clinic can bring peace of mind more quickly, with access to experienced doctors and thorough investigations. We offer:
- Fast appointments with our GPs and experienced respiratory team
- Personalised assessments and in-depth investigations for breathlessness
- Access to advanced diagnostic tests, such as lung function testing, without long waiting times
- Tailored treatment plans focused on helping you breathe more comfortably and confidently
- Compassionate, supportive care in a calm and professional setting
If you’re living with shortness of breath and want answers, book a consultation today and take the first step towards feeling at ease.
- Medically Reviewed
