Shortness of breath should not initially be confused with shortness of breath (dyspnea) and hyperventilation, as independent symptoms, although shortness of breath, hyperventilation and shortness of breath can also be related. As the name itself aptly describes it, normal breathing in shortness of breath is shortened and usually pathological.
What is shortness of breath?
In shortness of breath, the affected person has difficulty taking in enough oxygen through breathing to supply the body, because breathing is very short and sticky. Shortness of breath is defined as a significant impairment of normal breathing activity, sometimes even associated with severe pain for the affected person. In shortness of breath, the affected person finds it difficult to take in enough oxygen through breathing to supply the body, as breathing is very short and sticky. The consequence of this undersupply, in addition to a reduction in physical performance, is also a sometimes considerable psychological burden, since shortness of breath can trigger the fear of suffocation. Those affected include predominantly older people. Shortness of breath occurs in various degrees of severity. The causes of the disease are varied. It can be treated with respiratory therapy, medication, and surgery.
Causes
The causes of shortness of breath are complex. In most cases, chronic and acute diseases of the bronchial tubes and lungs are responsible for shortness of breath. However, heart disease is also not an uncommon cause. More rare, however, are rheumatic, orthopedic or neurological diseases, which then come into question as an indirect cause of shortness of breath. In the course of the increased obesity of our western civilization, shortness of breath can also frequently occur in obesity or overweight. This cause is not harmless and should be treated or fought accordingly.
Diseases with this symptom
- Bronchial asthma
- Anemia
- COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
- Obesity
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Pulmonary edema
- Myocarditis
- Ornithosis
- Leukemia
Diagnosis and course
Since the causes of shortness of breath are mostly pathological, it should always be examined by a doctor. Depending on the suspected trigger, different diagnostic methods are used, such as checking the lung and heart function, X-ray examinations and ultrasound. Basically, an increased occurrence of symptoms can be observed when the patient moves from rest to physical exertion. If intense physical exertion is initially necessary to trigger respiratory distress, even minor exertion is sufficient for this in the advanced stage. Normal respiratory activity is restricted, as a result of which the organism is no longer adequately supplied with vital oxygen. The patients’ performance is considerably reduced. Often the shortness of breath is associated with pain and in some cases can cause panic in the affected person.
Complications
Shortness of breath is usually accompanied by complications such as decreased exercise capacity, pain while breathing, and panic attacks. The permanent lack of oxygen can immediately lead to fatigue and circulatory problems with physical symptoms such as bluish lips and sunken eye sockets. In general, shortness of breath puts a strain on the entire organism and therefore requires rapid treatment. In the long term, shortness of breath increases the risk of cardiovascular problems and lung abscesses (in bacterial diseases). In addition, if shortness of breath is treated too late or inadequately, it can lead to chronic shortness of breath with further symptoms. Initially, performance continues to drop and there is severe fatigue, often accompanied by depression and anxiety disorders. Complications are unlikely with treatment. Depending on the underlying condition and the patient’s constitution, therapy measures such as respiratory gymnastics initially lead to increased fatigue and, due to the overexertion of the respiratory muscles, often to dizziness and stabbing pain in the lungs. These complaints usually subside in the course of treatment. However, if there is an undiagnosed underlying condition such as heart or lung disease, appropriate treatment methods can also lead to collapse.
When should you go to the doctor?
Since shortness of breath, dyspnea, can hide various causes and these are not always harmless, any form of shortness of breath should be diagnosed as soon as possible. The subjective experience of shortness of breath varies from person to person and depends on various factors. Acute, dramatic shortness of breath is often also associated with subjective accompanying symptoms such as anxiety or a feeling of suffocation. In the case of the most common cause of shortness of breath, cardiac insufficiency, those affected unfortunately go to the doctor far too late, because the symptoms develop insidiously over a long period of time. Those who suffer from shortness of breath for the first time when climbing stairs and this symptom also disappears again usually do not see a doctor. If the underlying disease worsens, then the symptom of shortness of breath will also occur more frequently and at shorter intervals. For example, when walking slowly or during minor physical exertion, such as when putting on or taking off clothes. Even at this early stage, those affected should definitely consult a doctor and under no circumstances should they wait until the shortness of breath already occurs at rest. By then, the damage to the heart and lungs is usually so far advanced that it is irreversible. Shortness of breath is therefore a symptom that requires clarification at every stage, so this should always be diagnosed and treated by a doctor early and in good time.
Treatment and therapy
Shortness of breath should always be examined by a physician, as the causes are mostly pathological. If the cause of shortness of breath is a lung or respiratory disease, the function of the lungs should be checked extensively. Pulse oximetry can also be used to measure oxygen saturation in the blood at rest and under stress. X-ray examinations of the chest or airways and lungs are also part of the modern examination standard. Preferably, respiratory gymnastics is usually promising here as an additional treatment measure. If the cause is a heart disease, numerous examinations are also necessary for a diagnosis of shortness of breath. It is essential to check the function of the heart and, if necessary, to make an exact diagnosis by means of X-ray diagnostics. Your doctor will inform you in more detail about further steps (possibly cardiac catheterization). Cardiac gymnastics and exercise therapy are often used as additional therapy. If the cause of shortness of breath is to be found in the gastrointestinal area, ultrasound diagnostics (sonography) of the abdominal cavity can provide information. Gastrointestinal endoscopy may also be necessary. If the cause is obesity or overweight, medical advice for further diet and exercise therapy must be followed. If the shortness of breath is due to neurological or rheumatic or orthopedic causes, the attending physician may need to consult other specialists for diagnosis and treatment as a supplement.
Outlook and prognosis
Shortness of breath can occur even in healthy people and does not necessarily lead to further complications or discomfort. In many cases, shortness of breath occurs primarily in stressful or panic situations. Therefore, it is often associated with panic attacks or sweating. In these cases, the shortness of breath then disappears again when the situation and the patient’s circulation have normalized. There are no further complaints or complications. However, due to the shortness of breath, the organism is weakened and the performance is reduced. The patient feels tired and exhausted and is unable to perform heavy work. Likewise, shortness of breath can have a negative effect on the heart. If, in addition to shortness of breath, a twinge is felt in the heart, a doctor must be called urgently, as this may be a stroke. In this case, various complications can occur, which in the worst case can lead to death. In the case of aspiration, quick help is also necessary so that the body does not suffer an oxygen deficiency for too long. If the shortness of breath persists, a visit to the doctor is also necessary. Treatment is usually based on the underlying disease and in most cases leads to success.
Prevention
A life without smoking is probably the best way to prevent shortness of breath.Furthermore, the commonly known means of exercise in the fresh air, as well as a healthy and balanced diet are always guarantors of a healthier and longer life.
This is what you can do yourself
Shortness of breath can be alleviated by various measures and home remedies. First, respiratory training in the form of yoga or respiratory therapy is recommended; even a straight posture or changing to the goalie or carriage position can reduce acute shortness of breath and improve the flow of breath quickly and without medication. Yawning is also particularly effective, as this stimulates oxygen production and regulates breathing naturally. In addition, sufficient exercise helps against respiratory problems. Regular exercise strengthens the cardiovascular system and relieves the lungs, allowing the body to process oxygen better. In addition, home remedies such as teas made from lemon balm, lavender, mint leaves, goose cinquefoil and other, expectorant remedies can be used against shortness of breath. Equally effective are steam baths, nasal douches or cough expectorants, which in combination also help against pronounced shortness of breath. Acutely, a moist warm compress is effective against shortness of breath and other breathing difficulties. Patients suffering from asthma in particular can achieve rapid relief of their symptoms with warm compresses and similar measures. If mentioned home remedies do not bring relief against acute shortness of breath, an emergency physician must be called in. Chronic breathing problems should be discussed with the family doctor.