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Dyspnea

Dyspnea

Dyspnea is the medical name for shortness of breath. It is difficult to determine the cause of dyspnea, and there may be many different reasons. It can range from mild, temporary bouts, to more serious & longer lasting. It has been described as an intense tightening in the chest.

High altitudes, vigorous exercise, or extreme temperatures can cause dyspnea in a healthy person. Experiences outside of these conditions, it is likely to be a sign of an underlying medical condition and you should see your doctor as soon as possible.

Lung and heart conditions are the usually the cause of shortness of breath. When the conditions come on suddenly, it is called acute dyspnea and could be caused by the following: an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), asthma, heart attack or heart failure, pneumonia, airway obstruction or carbon monoxide poisoning.

Chronic dyspnea, when the condition has lasted for weeks for longer, can be caused most commonly by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, heart dysfunction, obesity or pleural effusion (accumulation of fluid around the lungs).

You should see a doctor immediately if your symptoms are accompanied by dizziness, fainting, chest pain, a bluish tinge to lips or nails or nausea; as this could be signs of a heart attack.

To treat dyspnea, there are many methods of self-care that you can implement: stop smoking, avoid extreme temperatures, exercise regularly and avoid exposure to pollutants. Medical treatment will depend on the cause, or example if you are an asthma sufferer a doctor will likely prescribe inhalers for you to use when necessary. If your dyspnea is caused by fluid on the lungs, a doctor will have the drain the fluid in order that your lungs function properly.