Shortness of breath treatment

Shortness of breath (dyspnea) — is a feeling of lack of air or difficult breathing that may occur during physical exertion or even at rest. In some cases, it develops gradually, and sometimes it occurs suddenly and requires emergency medical care. This symptom accompanies many diseases of the heart, lungs, nervous system, and other organs, therefore it requires timely diagnosis to establish the exact cause and choose the correct treatment.

At the medical center «Oxford Medical», you can undergo a comprehensive examination to determine the causes of breathing disorders and receive individual recommendations regarding treatment. The earlier the source of the problem is established, the more effectively the symptom can be eliminated and the development of complications prevented.

Depending on the mechanism of development and causes of occurrence, several types of shortness of breath are distinguished.

According to the features of breathing, the following are distinguished:

• Inspiratory shortness of breath — difficulty occurs mainly during inhalation. Such a condition may be observed with narrowing of the upper respiratory tract, swelling of the larynx, or other disorders of air patency.
• Expiratory shortness of breath — difficulty occurs during exhalation. It is often found in diseases of the bronchi, in particular when the cause is bronchial asthma.
• Mixed shortness of breath — difficulty occurs both during inhalation and during exhalation. It may be observed in various diseases of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.

Depending on the cause of development, the following are also distinguished:

• cardiac shortness of breath, which occurs due to disorders of the work of the heart and blood circulation;
• neurological, associated with organic diseases or lesions of the nervous system that affect the regulation of breathing;
• nervous (psychogenic), which may appear against the background of severe stress, anxiety, or panic attacks.

Since the causes of shortness of breath may differ significantly, to establish an accurate diagnosis it is important to take into account not only the nature of the breathing disorder, but also accompanying symptoms and examination results.

Depending on the cause of its appearance, shortness of breath may be combined with other symptoms of the disease. For example, in cardiovascular pathologies, it is sometimes accompanied by pain or discomfort in the chest, arrhythmia, dizziness, and increased fatigue.

The doctors of «Oxford Medical» recommend not postponing consultation with a specialist if shortness of breath appears suddenly, rapidly intensifies, or occurs without an obvious cause. Such symptoms may indicate serious disorders of the work of the heart, lungs, or other organs.

During pregnancy, shortness of breath is a fairly common symptom. As the fetus grows, the load on the woman’s body increases, and the uterus gradually shifts the diaphragm upward, because of which a feeling of lack of air or difficulty with a deep breath may occur.

According to American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), changes in the work of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems during pregnancy may lead to a feeling of shortness of breath even in the absence of any diseases. In most cases, moderate shortness of breath during physical exertion is considered physiological and does not pose a threat to the health of the mother or child. Most often, it appears in the second or third trimester of pregnancy.

However, there are situations when a doctor’s consultation is necessary. Warning symptoms are:

• sudden intensification of shortness of breath;
• pain in the chest;
• dizziness or fainting;
• rapid heartbeat;
• bluish discoloration of the lips or fingertips.

Such manifestations may be associated not only with physiological changes during pregnancy, but also with diseases of the cardiovascular or respiratory system. Therefore, when a pronounced breathing disorder appears, it is important to consult a doctor in a timely manner and undergo the necessary examination.

Since shortness of breath is not an independent disease, but only a symptom, the main task of diagnosis is to establish the cause of its occurrence. For this, a general practitioner assesses the nature of the breathing disorder, the time of appearance of symptoms, the conditions of their occurrence, the presence of accompanying complaints, and risk factors. Depending on the results of the initial examination, additional examinations may be prescribed.

To clarify the diagnosis, the following methods may be used:

• Chest radiography — a basic study that helps detect signs of pneumonia, pleural effusion, pneumothorax, and other pathological changes in the lungs and pleura.
• Computed tomography (CT) of the chest organs — provides more detailed visualization of the lungs, bronchi, pleura, and mediastinum compared with radiography. CT of the lungs is used to clarify the diagnosis.
• Spirometry — a study of external respiratory function, which allows assessment of the volume and speed of airflow and detection of obstructive or restrictive disorders of lung ventilation.
• Bronchoscopy — an endoscopic examination of the trachea and bronchi, which makes it possible to assess the condition of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, detect neoplasms, foreign bodies, or other pathological changes.
• Electrocardiography (ECG) — a method of recording the electrical activity of the heart, which helps detect rhythm disorders, signs of myocardial ischemia, and other cardiac pathologies.
• Echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart) — an ultrasound examination that allows assessment of the structure of the heart, the condition of the valves, and the pumping function of the myocardium.
• Complete and biochemical blood tests — may help detect anemia, signs of inflammation, disorders of kidney function, electrolyte disorders, and other conditions that may be accompanied by shortness of breath.

According to European Respiratory Society, the most common causes of shortness of breath are diseases of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Therefore, during the examination it is important to comprehensively assess the condition of the heart and respiratory organs. The diagnostic results make it possible to establish the cause of the symptoms and determine the optimal treatment tactics.

Since shortness of breath is a symptom, and not an independent disease, treatment is primarily aimed at eliminating the cause of its occurrence. The tactics of therapy depend on the examination results and may differ significantly in patients with diseases of the heart, lungs, nervous system, or other pathologies.

Depending on the cause of shortness of breath, treatment may include:

• for heart diseases — medication therapy of the underlying disease, as well as medications to control heart rhythm disorders or blood pressure;
• for diseases of the respiratory system — bronchodilator therapy and other treatment methods aimed at improving lung function;
• if necessary — oxygen therapy to maintain a normal level of oxygen in the blood;
• special breathing exercises to improve the work of the respiratory system;
• regardless of the cause of the symptoms — correction of lifestyle and the level of physical activity in accordance with the doctor’s recommendations.

The doctors of «Oxford Medical» recommend not engaging in self-treatment, since the same symptom may be a manifestation of different diseases. In dyspnea, treatment is selected individually after establishing the cause of the breathing disorder and assessing the patient’s general condition.

If an attack of shortness of breath occurred suddenly:

1. Stop physical exertion and try to calm down.
2. Sit in a comfortable position, leaning slightly forward and resting your hands on your knees or armrests.
3. Provide access to fresh air: open the window, unbutton the collar, loosen tight clothing.
4. Try to breathe slowly and evenly, making the exhalation longer than the inhalation.
5. If the doctor previously prescribed an inhaler or other medications for emergency aid, use them in accordance with the recommendations.

The doctors of «Oxford Medical» warn: emergency medical care should be called immediately if the condition rapidly worsens, pain or tightness in the chest, pronounced weakness, dizziness, loss of consciousness, bluish discoloration of the lips or fingers appear, or if shortness of breath does not pass within several minutes.

Shortness of breath may indicate serious disorders in the work of the heart, lungs, or other organs. If this symptom is ignored and its cause is not established, the underlying disease may progress and lead to dangerous consequences.

Possible complications depend on the cause of shortness of breath and may include:

• progression of heart or respiratory failure;
• decreased tolerance to physical exertion;
• disorders of the work of internal organs due to insufficient oxygen supply;
• deterioration in quality of life and limitation of everyday activity.

In some cases, sudden or rapidly increasing shortness of breath may be one of the manifestations of emergency conditions, in particular pulmonary embolism, severe heart rhythm disorders, or myocardial infarction. The earlier the cause of the breathing disorder is established, the higher the chances of preventing the development of complications and preserving a normal quality of life.

To reduce the risk of shortness of breath, it is recommended to:

• quit smoking and avoid passive inhalation of tobacco smoke;
• maintain a sufficient level of physical activity according to age and health condition;
• control blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and body weight;
• timely treat diseases of the heart, bronchi, and lungs;
• avoid prolonged contact with dust, smoke, and other irritating substances;
• regularly undergo preventive medical examinations.

Special attention to prevention should be paid by people with chronic diseases of the heart or respiratory organs. Following the doctor’s recommendations and controlling the underlying disease help reduce the risk of worsening breathing and the development of complications.

Since shortness of breath may be associated with diseases of the heart, lungs, blood vessels, or other organs, it is first of all important to establish the cause of its occurrence. For this purpose, the doctor conducts an examination and, if necessary, prescribes additional examinations.

You can preliminarily familiarize yourself with the prices of doctors’ consultations here. The doctor will provide more detailed information regarding the necessary examinations and further treatment tactics during the appointment.

Consultations with specialists, diagnostics, and other medical services that may be needed to establish the cause of the breathing disorder are available at the medical center «Oxford Medical». You can make an appointment at a convenient time by phone or through the online form on the website.

The information is for informational purposes and does not replace a doctor’s consultation.

Sources:

US National Library of Medicine

European Respiratory Society

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists