Shortness of breath

Breathing difficulty of any kind (or any kind of "shortness of breath") is a potentially life-threatening emergency. It can indicate numerous dangerous causes such as heart attack, pneumonia, or pulmonary embolism. There are other less serious causes, but these highly dangerous conditions need to be considered. Refer to the causes of breathing difficulty or causes of chest pain. These symptoms need to be diagnosed immediately by a medical professional because they can represent a life-threatening emergency.

The following medical conditions are some of the possible causes of Shortness of breath. There are likely to be other possible causes, so ask your doctor about your symptoms.

• Some possible causes of shortness of breath include:
  
  • Exercise
    
  • Exertion
    
  • Poor physical condition
  • Obesity
  • Pregnancy
    
  • Anxiety (type of Neurosis)
    
  • Stress
  • Tension
    
  • Smoking
    
  • Depression
  • High altitude location
  • Hyperventilation
    
  • High fever Wheezing - see also causes of wheezing
  • 
    
• Respiratory conditions causing shortness of breath include:
  
  • Common cold
  • Respiratory infection
    
  • Lung infection
    
  • Pneumonia
    
  • Bronchitis
  • Tuberculosis
    
  • Chronic bronchitis
  • Chronic lung disease (see Lung symptoms
  • Asthma
  • Emphysema
  • COPD
    
  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Bronchiectasis
  • Airway obstruction

Posted in: Respiratory System,Shortness of breath