​What are the probable causes?

​What are the probable causes?

There are a number of medical and non-medical reasons behind shortness of breath. One can experience breathlessness while being at high altitudes, or when the air quality is at a dangerous level, or when the temperature is too high or even after doing a heavy workout.

There are several medical conditions that trigger breathlessness in an individual. Issues like allergies, asthma, heart problems, pulmonary disease, pneumonia, obesity, tuberculosis also cause dyspnea.

Recently, COVID is also said to be affecting the breathing ability of patients. Many people who have typical COVID symptoms like sore throat, runny nose have also experienced breathing problems during the infection.

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What are the underlying medical complications?

​What are the underlying medical complications?

As mentioned above, a number of reasons can affect the breathing capacity of an individual. “The medical condition depends upon the cause of breathlessness as it can be due to lung, heart, kidney or muscle problem. So if unaddressed, it may lead to major diseases of the lung, kidney, heart or any muscular system. Mainly in lung can lead to irreversible changes if neglected or not diagnosed during the early course of disease,” says Dr Dr Kashmira Jhala, consultant pulmonologist, Apollo Hospitals, Ahmedabad.

It is therefore recommended to take doctor's advice if the issue persists for a long time.

​When is it normal and people should not overthink about it?

​When is it normal and people should not overthink about it?

If it occurs due to the result of any event like having a sleepless night or due to high temperature, there is nothing to worry about. If the situation is non-medical and can be improved, so can be the issue of breathlessness.

“Pulmonary lung function test should be done to know lung capacity and underlying problem. It is like a screening test for breathlessness. If it is normal and other functions of the body are also normal, then the person can be kept under observation and monitored during lung function tests on a regular interval,” says the expert.

​When should one be worried?

 

​When should one be worried?

When the condition persists for a long time, one should definitely see a doctor. “If the symptom is continuous, progressive and associated with other symptoms, then one should not neglect it. If the primary baseline lung function test-pulmonary function test (PFT) is not normal then definitely one should visit a pulmonologist. Post covid, now everyone is aware about the PFT. So, it should be used regularly and commonly to know your lung capacity,” says Dr Jhala.

​What are the other symptoms to watch out for?

​What are the other symptoms to watch out for?

Other symptoms like chest pain, chest heaviness, wheezing, coughing, night awakening, snoring, edema of both legs and tiredness should also be checked if one is experiencing shortness of breath says the doctor.