Shortness of breath what is it a symptom of

Your provider will listen to your heart and lungs with a stethoscope. He or she may order additional tests, which could include:. Visit your health care provider when a normal activity causes unexpected shortness of breath. Get your breathing difficulty checked if it:. In such a case, you may need to seek emergency care.

Treatment for shortness of breath depends on its cause. If the cause is your lungs or airways, your health care provider may give you medication. Most people begin to feel better after the diagnosis is clear. Your provider may recommend that you:. Set up a meeting with your provider. Together, you can go over how to manage your shortness of breath.

See if you qualify for specific treatment, like pulmonary rehab. The following images illustrate every step in the process: Shortness of Breath: An Overview. In a normal state, the pulmonary and cardiovascular organs play a role in maintaining stable levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

The carotid body is a nerve bundle in the artery in the neck. It monitors oxygen and carbon dioxide levels and communicates the information to the brain. The respiratory muscles, diaphragm, and chest wall work together to let air in and out. The breathing muscles contract, which lets the lungs expand and inhale air. An open airway allows the air to flow smoothly in and out of the lungs. Alveoli in the lungs exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide. The heart pumps blood to the body.

Red blood cells in the blood carry oxygen to the body. Blood with less oxygen returns to the lungs. Nerves and receptors in the body send signals to the brain that the organs are functioning properly. The brain regulates the organs so they continue working properly. Key facts about Shortness of Breath.

Shortness of breath, or breathlessness, is discomfort or difficulty breathing. You might notice yourself becoming increasingly short of breath over a long period of time, or it could happen out of the blue.

Prolonged sitting can cause shortness of breath by way of bad posture. Anxiety — whether acute and situational or a chronic disorder — can cause you to feel short of breath. Anxiety or panic attacks can sometimes be mistaken for a heart attack. Low-level anxiety can cause this too. Having knots in your muscles, especially on trigger points, can sometimes make you feel short of breath.

Other common symptoms are fever, cough, and fatigue. You should also be monitoring your symptoms while at home. You should seek emergency medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:. These include:. Once your doctor examines you and determines a diagnosis, they may prescribe medications like bronchodilators to help you breathe easier. Your doctor will also recommend measures, such as quitting smoking , to help you get more oxygen.

Shortness of breath at night can be caused by many conditions from allergies and anxiety to heart and lung diseases.

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