Shortness of breath - Causes and Symptoms

Definition

Shortness of breath (or dyspnea) is a symptom that indicates a subjective breathing difficulty.

This manifestation can be acute (from a few moments to a few hours) or chronic (at least a month) and can be attributed to cardiopulmonary or other causes.

The most frequent causes of shortness of breath include asthma crises, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and myocardial infarction.

Shortness of breath occurs abruptly in the pneumothorax, pulmonary embolism and secondary lesions of thoracic trauma and rib fractures. Sudden wheezing can also depend on exposure to specific stimuli (eg allergens, respiratory tract infections, cold and exercise) or to toxic substances to the airways (eg inhalation of chlorine or hydrogen sulfide).

Shortness of breath may also occur in the presence of pulmonary edema, angina or coronary artery disease, pericardial effusion or tamponade, and diaphragm paralysis.

An acute respiratory difficulty can also result from anxiety disorders, depression and panic attacks.

Regarding chronic shortness of breath, heart failure is one of the main causes. Shortness of breath occurs also in the presence of bronchitis, emphysema, cystic fibrosis, interstitial pneumopathies and primitive or metastatic lung tumors.

The lack of breath can also depend on metabolic disorders, obesity, hyperthyroidism, arrhythmias, neuromyopathies (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, myasthenia gravis and medullary lesions), inhalation of foreign bodies, anemia and physical deconditioning (a condition in which dyspnea occurs under stress in subjects who lead a sedentary lifestyle).