Shortness of breath is common in certain everyday situations, but it also could be the sign of a serious underlying medical problem. At New York Specialty Clinics, Astoria, Queens and Sheepshead Bay, Midwood, and Marine Park/Flatlands of Brooklyn, their team of highly trained experts can find the root cause of shortness of breath and treat it as needed to offer you relief. Schedule an appointment with New York Specialty Clinics by phone or online, or call 911 if you suspect you or a loved one is having a heart attack.
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.
A healthy person might experience shortness of breath in hot weather, high altitudes, or during strenuous exercise. Other reasons for breathing difficulty can include:
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.
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:
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.
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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