What is it about ?
Shortness of breath or dyspnea is a subjective feeling of difficulty in breathing or suffocation. This sensation can be caused by hyperventilation, respiratory tract conditions, cardiovascular conditions and other less common conditions.
- respiratory tract diseases: pneumonia, asthma and other forms of chronic bronchitis (eg. COPD), blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism), pneumothorax, inhalation of dangerous substances such as smoke, presence of a foreign body in the respiratory tract, various diseases leading to pulmonary fibrosis, …
- cardiovascular conditions: heart failure, heart attack, anemia severe, heart rhythm disturbances, …
- other causes: hyperventilation, side effects of some medicines such as amiodarone and nitrofurantoin, severe hypersensitivity reaction to an insect bite, muscle damage, vocal cord disease, rib cage abnormality, CO poisoning, …
It goes without saying that many of these conditions must be taken care of as soon as possible. Treatment may be needed urgently, especially when shortness of breath appears suddenly.
How to recognize it?
The feeling of suffocation, the simultaneous symptoms and the speed of onset of shortness of breath are used to assess the severity of the complaints. If you experience shortness of breath at rest or during light exertion, the situation can certainly be serious. A bluish discoloration of the fingers and lips can also suggest a potentially fatal disease. Pain in the chest can be seen with hyperventilation, but it can also be due to a much more serious illness.
How is the diagnosis made?
The discussion and clinical examination will allow the doctor to assess the different possible causes of shortness of breath. Additional tests (an x-ray of the lungs, an EKG, a blood test, or a lung function test) are often needed to identify the exact cause.
What can you do ?
Contact your doctor as soon as possible, especially if symptoms appear quickly and cause severe shortness of breath.
If you have a known allergy, avoid contact with substances to which you are allergic. If you have ever had a serious reaction to an insect bite, it is a good idea to always have an adrenaline syringe (Epipen®, Jext®, etc.) on hand, along with its instructions for use.
A hyperventilating attack can be stopped by breathing into a plastic bag.
Chronic cardiovascular and pulmonary disease requires a rehabilitation program. You can significantly improve your physical condition through an exercise program. At the beginning, it is strongly recommended to train under the supervision of a physiotherapist or a certified coach in a fitness center. It is also recommended to quit smoking and aim for a normal body weight.
What can your doctor do?
On the basis of his observations, your GP may decide to initiate treatment himself, for example antibiotics in case of infection or cortisone in case of an asthma attack. He may also order additional tests such as a blood test, an EKG or an x-ray of the lungs and adjust the treatment accordingly. He can also refer you to a specialist for further examinations and / or an opinion. In this case, the specialist will take care of offering you treatment.
Want to know more?
- Stop smoking. It’s possible – Tabacstop – Foundation against cancer
- Radiography, here, Where to find on this page of Cliniques St Luc UCL
- Amiodarone – CBIP – Belgian Center for Pharmacotherapeutic Information
- Nitrofurantoin – CBIP – Belgian Center for Pharmacotherapeutic Information
- Adrenaline – CBIP – Belgian Center for Pharmacotherapeutic Information
Are you looking for more specialized help?
- Smoking Assistance Center (CAF®) – FARES – Respiratory Affections Fund
- Tobacco specialists – FARES – Respiratory Affections Fund
- Find a registered dietitian – Professional Union of French-speaking dieticians
- Find a nutritionist doctor – Belgian Society of Nutritionist Doctors
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