Gasping for breath can be an uncomfortable situation. Strenuous exercise, extreme temperatures, and high altitude must have made things difficult for most. But they fall back in place after a slight rest. But if you have unexplained shortness of breath, it can be a medical emergency. Dyspnea is a medical condition that makes breathing difficult. Let’s delve deeper into the concern:
What is Dyspnea (Shortness of Breath)?
Shortness of breath, medically known as dyspnea, is an uncomfortable feeling of chest tightness. As the lungs fail to get enough air, it typically leaves one gasping for breath. The condition is typically seen as a warning sign of heart or lung dysfunction and requires immediate medical attention.
Shortness of Breath Causes
Dyspnea is often an acute condition that triggers suddenly. However, the possible cause can be chronic or acute. While chronic dyspnea makes you feel exhausted with everyday tasks, acute dyspnea triggers suddenly because of an infection, or allergic reaction. The possible shortness of breath causes are:
1. Lung Conditions
- Asthma
- Allergies
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Respiratory illness including viral or bacterial infections
- Pneumonia
- Partial or complete lung failure
- Inflammation or fluid accumulation around the lungs
- Fluid accumulation inside the lungs
- Lung cancer
- High blood pressure in the lungs
- Inflammatory conditions like sarcoidosis
- Tuberculosis
- Blood clot
- Choking
2. Heart-Related Conditions
- Anaemia
- Abnormal heart rhythm
- Heart failure
- Cardiomyopathy is a condition affecting the heart muscle
- Inflammation in or around the heart
Chronic stress and anxiety can also push the body into acute dyspnea.
Shortness of Breath Symptoms
While the primary symptom of dyspnea is shortness of breath, it can overlap with a range of other symptoms. These include:
- Rapid breathing
- Chest tightness
- Wheezing
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Suffocation
- Heart palpitation
- Cough
Dyspnea Diagnosis
The condition is typically diagnosed by an expert physician. A physical examination is performed that includes listening to the lung sounds with a stethoscope, taking blood pressure readings, and watching out for other signs of distress. Additional testing like chest x-ray, CT scan, blood tests, lung function test, electrocardiogram, TMT test, etc. may also be required to identify the cause of dyspnea.
Dyspnea Scale
Depending upon the severity of the condition, shortness of breath is rated on a scale of 0-4. 0 is the lowest severity wherein shortness of breath is experienced only during or after strenuous episodes. On the other hand, 4 is the feeling of being breathless just upon doing anything.
Shortness of Breath Treatment
The dyspnea treatment depends upon the cause of shortness of breath. The treatment plan prescribed for dyspnea is condition-specific. The doctor may prescribe medicines or suggest an invasive procedure to tackle the root cause.
Living 2ith Dyspnea
Living with dyspnea can be demanding, especially if you score high on the dyspnea scale. The general instructions include avoiding trigger factors and practising lung-strengthening exercises. It is important to take the prescribed medicines to keep the condition under control.
On the other hand, people who are low on the dyspnea scale can easily manage the condition with a few lifestyle changes. To help keep chronic shortness of breath from getting worse:
- Quit smoking
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Avoid exposure to pollutants and trigger factors
- Avoid extreme temperature variations
- Avoid higher altitudes
- Exercise regularly, especially breathing exercises
Stress-Induced Dyspnea
Increased emotional or psychological stress can alter your breathing pattern. This is known as stress-induced dyspnea. One can experience rapid, shallow breathing, chest tightness, and a continuous feeling of breathlessness. Managing stress through relaxation techniques like breathing exercises, yoga, and meditation, thus, is the most desirable treatment plan. Prescribing relaxation-inducing medication can help alleviate the physical symptoms of stress-induced dyspnea.
Conclusion
Dyspnea (shortness of breath) is a distressing and often alarming condition. It is marked by a sudden feeling of being short of breath. While the situation can be self-limiting in some cases, it requires immediate medical attention to settle symptoms and identify the underlying cause of the condition. It is often seen as a warning sign of heart and lung dysfunction. Medication and lifestyle changes are the most effective way to manage the condition. But one must always be ready with an action plan as the symptoms can worsen in no time. Always be in touch with your friends and family for any kind of immediate support. The episodes of dyspnea settle once the underlying cause is treated.
