Dyspnea

What is Dyspnea?

Dyspnea is a medical term used to describe the sensation of difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Dyspnea can range from mildly uncomfortable to severe, life-threatening levels. It often occurs in people with medical conditions like asthma, bronchitis, COPD, and heart failure, but it can also be the side effect of some medications.

Symptoms of Dyspnea

Some of the most common symptoms of dyspnea are:

Shortness of breath
Feeling winded after minimal exertion
Pain or tightness in the chest
Rapid, shallow breathing
Light-headedness or dizziness
Inability to lie down
Facial flushing
Coughing, wheezing, or a hoarse voice

Causes of Dyspnea

Common causes of dyspnea include:

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD)
Asthma
Bronchitis
Allergies
Smoking
Air pollution
Anemia
Congestive heart failure (CHF)
Respiratory infections
High altitude
Lung cancer
Emphysema
Pulmonary embolism
Drug overdose and certain medications
Pneumonia

Treating Dyspnea

Treatment for dyspnea depends on the underlying cause. Treatment options can include:

Bronchodilators: Medications that relax the muscles in the airways and can help people with COPD and asthma breathe easier.
Oxygen therapy: This can be administered through a face mask or nasal cannula in severe circumstances.
Pulmonary rehabilitation: This is a program of exercise training, education, and breathing techniques that can help people with COPD manage their symptoms.
Surgery: Surgery may be necessary for some structural or anatomic problems that cause difficulty breathing.

Preventing Dyspnea

There are some steps that people can take to prevent or reduce the sensation of difficulty breathing. These can include:

Avoid air pollution.
Stop smoking.
Wear a mask in public and in areas with significant air pollution.
Perform regular pulmonary exercises.
Maintain a healthy diet.
Drink plenty of water.
Avoid medications that may cause dyspnea.
Avoid high-altitude environments.
Avoid triggers for respiratory illnesses like asthma or COPD.