What is shortness of breath?
Shortness of breath occurs when you have a feeling of not getting enough air in your lungs. It might feel like intense chest tightening, breathlessness, breathing difficulty, or suffocation. Numerous causes can contribute to shortness of breath, and some of them are serious medical problems if left untreated.
What causes shortness of breath?
A healthy person might experience shortness of breath in hot weather, high altitudes, or during strenuous exercise. Other reasons for breathing difficulty can include:
- Obesity
- Asthma
- An allergic reaction
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
- A heart attack
- Heart failure
- Anxiety attacks
- Pneumonia
- Pulmonary embolism
- Lung disease
- Pulmonary hypertension
If you suspect a heart attack because of shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, weakness, or discomfort in your arms, jaw, neck, or back, head to the nearest emergency room or call 911.
How does my provider diagnose shortness of breath?
To diagnose shortness of breath and its cause, the New York Specialty Clinics team reviews your symptoms and medical history. They ask about past diagnoses and medications you may take. Your provider listens to your heart and breathing and completes a physical examination.
They might recommend one of the following diagnostic testing procedures to detect or rule out specific medical problems:
- Blood tests
- Asthma testing
- Allergy tests
- Electrocardiogram (EKG)
- Echocardiogram
- A stress test
- Cardiac catheterization
- CT scans
- MRIs
- Holter monitoring
A Holter monitor is a portable device you wear for about 24-72 hours. It can detect and record heart irregularities that don’t appear during traditional EKGs.
The experts at New York Specialty Clinics might recommend you undergo multiple diagnostic procedures to get to the root cause of shortness of breath and develop a treatment plan.
What are my treatment options?
Your personalized treatment for shortness of breath depends on its type, severity, and cause. Your New York Specialty Clinics provider might recommend weight loss, altering your diet, other healthy lifestyle changes, taking certain medications, using an inhaler, allergy treatments, additional diagnostic testing, or undergoing a minor surgical procedure.
Seeing a health care professional at the first sign of shortness of breath is ideal, as it could be the sign of a serious problem.
If you or a loved one experiences shortness of breath, see the experts at New York Specialty Clinics. Schedule an appointment by calling the office, booking online, or simply walking into the nearest location today.
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