Shortness Of Breath

What causes shortness of breath?

Shortness of breath may be a side effect of several underlying health issues, especially those that affect your heart or lungs. Some of the most common causes of shortness of breath include:

• Obesity
  
• Asthma
  
• Allergies
  
• Heart failure
  
• Low blood pressure
  
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

You can also develop shortness of breath during a heart attack or if you experience abnormal heartbeats.

When should I seek help for shortness of breath?

If you notice you become short of breath during your usual activities or it becomes increasingly difficult to breath when you’re at rest, it’s time to schedule an evaluation at Harmony Health.

When shortness of breath develops suddenly as the result of an asthma attack, it’s important that you seek immediate medical attention from 911 or the nearest emergency room. You also need emergency medical treatment if you have sudden shortness of breath accompanied by chest pain, which could indicate a heart attack.

How is shortness of breath diagnosed?

To better understand the cause of your shortness of breath, your Harmony Health provider reviews your medical history, the severity of your symptoms, and the activities you were doing when your breathing difficulties began.

To evaluate how well you can take air in and out of your lungs, your Harmony Health doctor may request a pulmonary function test. This test requires you to breathe into a special device that measures your airflow.

The Harmony Health medical team also offers on-site imaging tests, like CT scans or chest X-rays, to identify abnormalities in your lungs or respiratory system.

What treatments are available for shortness of breath?

The Harmony Health doctors customize your treatments based on the cause of your breathing issues. If you have chronic shortness of breath because of asthma or COPD, you may need mediation therapy to reduce inflammation in your airways and prevent a worsening of your condition. You may also need supplemental oxygen therapy to treat COPD.

If you have chronic allergies that affect your breathing, your Harmony Health provider can create a treatment plan to control your allergies and prevent airway inflammation.
When underlying heart problems are causing shortness of breath, your Harmony Health doctor may recommend necessary treatment options or refer you for specialized care with a cardiologist.

Don’t ignore shortness of breath. Learn more about lung function tests and other diagnostics available at Harmony Health by calling the office or by requesting an appointment online now.