Shortness of breath is a well-known, normal sensation after intense exertion. It is an increase in the respiratory rate which allows the body to increase the supply of oxygen.

Shortness of breath becomes a problem when it occurs after minimal or even effortless exertion, gets worse, or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as chest pain or edema in the legs, for example. .

In these cases, you should not delay in consulting.

Shortness of breath can be linked to various pathologies, in particular cardiac, respiratory (pulmonary), metabolic (such as obesity) and even sometimes psychological (anxiety, anxiety attacks). Most of the causes of shortness of breath, however, relate to problems with the lungs or heart.

In case of unusual shortness of breath, the doctor will do a full examination, listen to the heart and lungs, study the history and, if necessary, carry out additional examinations.

Among the most common causes are:

• respiratory pathologies: asthma, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis (cystic fibrosis), tuberculosis, etc.
• smoking
• lung cancer
• cardiac pathologies, and in particular heart failure, aortic stenosis, pulmonary arterial hypertension, hypotension, etc.
• pulmonary embolism
• anemia
• carbon monoxide poisoning
• a badly endured stay at high altitude
• rarer diseases such as Guillain-Barré syndrome or myasthenia gravis

If the shortness of breath occurs suddenly and it is important, it is better to call for help because it could be a heart attack or pulmonary embolism.

It is also important to consult quickly if the shortness of breath is accompanied by:

• swelling of the feet or ankles
• difficulty breathing when lying down
• high fever and cough
• the fact that the lips or the fingertips turn blue
• a whistling sound when breathing
• sudden worsening of symptoms

If shortness of breath is chronic, a complete medical check-up will identify the cause.

Shortness of breath can limit movement and movement, making daily activities such as climbing stairs, cleaning, just putting on your shoes or doing errands difficult.

It can be associated with poor oxygenation of the organs and must therefore be taken care of quickly.

Most often, chronic shortness of breath is due to respiratory or cardiac pathology.

In case of respiratory infection, appropriate treatment (antibiotics) will be prescribed.

If shortness of breath is related to an asthma attack, inhaled salbumatol (Ventolin) may relieve symptoms. Stronger drugs can also be given in the hospital.

In the event of cardiac pathology, appropriate management will limit the symptoms, as far as possible.

In general, if you are easily short of breath, it is best to:

• stop smoking as soon as possible
• avoid exposure to air pollution
• avoid stays at altitude
• lose weight if you are overweight