What Is the Definition of Shortness of Breath?

Shortness of breath may be a passing episode or can be a life-threatening event, depending on your health and environmental conditions. Some causes of shortness of breath include strenuous exercise, exposure to extreme temperatures, or breathing in harmful toxins.

Significance

• Also known as a breathing difficulty or dyspnea, shortness of breath is when a person feels as though he or she is not getting enough air into his or her lungs.

Causes

• Heart an lung disorders such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, lung cancer, pneumonia and chronic sinusitis contribute significantly to chronic shortness of breath.

Prevention

• Avoiding pollutants, exercising and not smoking (or avoiding smoke-filled rooms) can prevent shortness of breath from worsening. In addition, addressing underlying heart and lung disorders can also help.

Solution

• According to Medline Plus, "In severe cases of difficult breathing, hospitalization may be required. Many different medications aimed at treating the cause of breathing difficulty may be used" (see Reference No. 2).

Warning

• Seek medical attention if you experience shortness of breath while resting or lying down. Also, call your physician if you have shortness of breath accompanied by chills, fever or severe cough.