HomeHealth TopicsSymptomsBreathing Problems
Back to Symptoms
Breathing Problems
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Symptoms

Breathing Problems

Shortness of breath can range from mild discomfort due to exercise or congestion to a sign of serious underlying disease, making it essential to identify the cause if symptoms persist.

Overview

When you are short of breath, it is hard or uncomfortable to take in the oxygen your body needs. You may feel as if you are not getting enough air. While mild breathing problems can result from a stuffy nose or intense exercise, shortness of breath can also indicate a serious disease.

Causes & Risk Factors

Many conditions can make you feel short of breath, including:

  • Lung conditions such as asthma, emphysema, or pneumonia
  • Problems with your trachea or bronchi, which are part of your airway system
  • Heart disease, which can make you feel breathless if your heart cannot pump enough blood to supply oxygen to your body
  • Anxiety and panic attacks
  • Allergies

Diagnosis & Management

If you often have trouble breathing, it is important to find out the cause.

Frequently Asked Questions

Managing triggers is key. Keep your living space free of dust, pet dander, and strong chemical scents. Use a humidifier if the air is dry, but ensure it is cleaned regularly to prevent mold growth. Practice pursed-lip breathing, which involves inhaling through the nose and exhaling slowly through pursed lips, to keep airways open longer. Additionally, stay hydrated to thin mucus and avoid heavy meals that can press on the diaphragm.
nxiety-related breathing issues often include a feeling of tightness in the chest, rapid heartbeat, and a sense of impending doom, and they usually resolve once the stressor passes or with deep breathing exercises. Physical causes often present with wheezing, coughing, swelling in the legs, or symptoms that worsen with specific activities like climbing stairs. If symptoms persist after the anxiety subsides or occur during rest, a physical cause is more likely and requires medical evaluation.
Doctors often start with a physical exam and pulse oximetry to check oxygen levels. Common tests include spirometry to measure lung function, a chest X-ray to look for pneumonia or fluid, and an ECG to check heart rhythm. Depending on the findings, further tests like a CT scan, echocardiogram, or blood tests for infections or blood clots may be ordered to pinpoint the exact cause.
You should seek emergency care if shortness of breath is sudden and severe, accompanied by chest pain, fainting, confusion, or blue lips and fingernails. It is also an emergency if you are struggling to speak in full sentences, have a high fever with difficulty breathing, or if your breathing worsens rapidly despite using prescribed rescue inhalers.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

kontakt@hittavard.se

Ⓒ 2024. Alla rättigheter förbehålls av juxt ab

Sök
Om ossVillkor och policyVanliga frågorKontakta oss