Shortness of Breath

Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing are collectively called dyspnea. You may feel that you have to work hard to breathe, even when you are at rest. This feeling can be very distressing to you and your loved ones, and anxiety may cause dyspnea to feel worse.

Symptoms of dyspnea include

• Audibly labored breathing
• Gasping
• Dilated nostrils
• Changes in heart rate
• Changes in respiratory rate
• Changes in the amount of oxygen dissolved in the blood
• Changes in movements of the chest, ribs, and abdomen.

Shortness of breath has many causes. Often it is a combination of things, such as a tumor in the lungs or the abdomen, fluid around the lungs or in the abdomen, uncontrolled pain, constipation, anxiety, or other causes.

Regardless of the cause, it's important to tell your physician and other caregivers about your shortness of breath. If your healthcare providers are not aware of you shortness of breath, they cannot treat it.

In addition to dyspnea's respiratory symptoms, insufficient oxygen can affect your ability to think clearly. The good news is that much can be done to ease these symptoms, such as body positioning, breathing exercises, medications, oxygen therapy, and complementary medicines.