Respiratory Health
Shortness of Breath: Should You Be Worried?
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By Apollo 24/7, Published on - 13 January 2021, Updated on - 18 October 2022
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Shortness of breath explained
Causes for shortness of breath
- Strenuous exercise
- Extreme changes in temperature
- High altitude
- Poor air quality
- Choking (obstruction in the windpipe)
- Allergic reaction
- Obesity
- Walking
- Running
- Climbing stairs
Medical conditions that may be associated with shortness of breath
- Asthma
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Anaemia
- Heart disease (heart attack, heart failure)
- Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19)
- Pulmonary embolism (blood clots in the lungs)
- Lasts over a month
- Gets worse with activity
- Gets worse when lying down
- Is accompanied by cough for three weeks or more
- Occurs along with swelling of the ankles
When does shortness of breath become life-threatening?
- Chest pain or pressure
- Light-headedness, fainting, or sweating
- Nausea
How is shortness of breath treated?
Conclusion
Respiratory Health
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