Breathing difficulties can occur for many reasons, from temporary changes in breathing to conditions affecting the lungs, heart or other parts of the body. Persistent, recurring or unexplained shortness of breath may require medical assessment to identify the underlying cause.
What Is Shortness of Breath?
Shortness of breath, also known as breathlessness, is the feeling that you cannot breathe comfortably or get enough air.
It may occur:
- During physical activity
- While resting
- Suddenly or gradually
- Occasionally or repeatedly
- Alongside other symptoms such as coughing, chest discomfort or fatigue
The circumstances in which breathlessness occurs can provide important information during a medical assessment.
What Can Cause Breathing Difficulties?
There are many possible causes of shortness of breath. These may include conditions affecting the:
- Lungs and airways
- Heart and circulatory system
- Blood and oxygen-carrying capacity
- Muscles and nervous system
Breathing difficulties may also be associated with infections, allergies, medication effects or other health conditions. Identifying the cause requires assessment rather than relying on the symptom alone.
When Should Shortness of Breath Be Medically Assessed?
Medical assessment may be appropriate when breathing difficulties:
- Keep returning or are becoming more frequent
- Occur with less physical activity than before
- Persist without an obvious explanation
- Affect daily activities or sleep
- Occur alongside a persistent cough or wheezing
- Are accompanied by fatigue, dizziness or other unexplained symptoms
When Is Shortness of Breath an Emergency?
Sudden or severe difficulty breathing requires urgent medical attention, particularly when accompanied by:
- Severe chest pain or pressure
- Blue or grey lips or skin
- Fainting or significant confusion
- Severe weakness or inability to speak normally because of breathlessness
- Sudden neurological symptoms
- Rapidly worsening breathing difficulties
If severe breathing difficulty occurs suddenly, seek emergency medical care immediately.
How Do Doctors Assess Breathing Difficulties?
A doctor will usually begin by discussing your symptoms and medical history and performing a physical examination.
You may be asked about:
- When the breathing difficulty started
- Whether it occurs during activity or at rest
- How frequently it happens
- Whether symptoms are getting worse
- Coughing, wheezing or chest discomfort
- Previous lung or heart conditions
- Smoking or environmental exposure
- Medications and other relevant medical history
The doctor may also check your breathing rate and oxygen level and listen to your heart and lungs.
What Diagnostic Tests May Be Recommended?
Further investigations depend on the symptoms and findings from the initial assessment.
Depending on the suspected cause, a doctor may recommend:
- Blood tests
- Chest X-ray
- CT scan
- Lung function testing
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Echocardiogram
- Other specialised cardiac or respiratory investigations
Not every patient requires the same tests. The diagnostic approach is determined by the individual clinical picture.
When May You Need a Specialist?
Depending on the suspected cause, your doctor may recommend assessment by a specialist such as a pulmonologist or cardiologist.
Specialist evaluation may be considered when breathing difficulties are persistent, unexplained, recurrent or associated with other findings that require further investigation.
What Should You Prepare for Your Appointment?
Before your consultation, it can be helpful to record:
- When your symptoms occur
- Whether they happen during activity or rest
- How long each episode lasts
- What makes the symptoms better or worse
- Any associated symptoms
- Previous medical conditions
- Medications you take
- Recent illnesses or changes in your health
This information can help your doctor understand the pattern of your symptoms.
When International Specialist Care May Be Considered
When a patient requires specialised cardiac, respiratory or diagnostic care, accessing an appropriate hospital or specialist may sometimes involve seeking treatment internationally.
Bluedot Medical Assistance can facilitate the international healthcare journey by helping patients access appropriate hospitals and specialists, coordinate medical records, support treatment planning and arrange the healthcare logistics required for treatment abroad.