Dyspnea

What is Dyspnea?

Dyspnea, commonly referred to as shortness of breath, is a condition where you feel an intense tightening in your chest, air hunger, difficulty breathing, or a feeling of suffocation. It is a symptom rather than a disease itself, and can be caused by a wide variety of underlying conditions affecting the heart, lungs, or other body systems.

Common Causes

• Asthma and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
• Pneumonia and other respiratory infections
• Heart failure or other cardiac conditions
• Pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lung)
• Anemia and deconditioning
• Anxiety and panic disorders
• Obesity and physical deconditioning
• Interstitial lung disease and pleural effusion

When to Seek Medical Help

You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience sudden, severe shortness of breath, especially if accompanied by chest pain, fainting, or nausea. Chronic dyspnea that progressively worsens or limits your daily activities should also be evaluated by a specialist.

Diagnosis & Treatment

Dr. Singh performs a thorough evaluation including pulmonary function tests, chest imaging, blood tests, and other diagnostic studies to determine the underlying cause of your shortness of breath. Treatment focuses on addressing the root cause, which may include medications, oxygen therapy, breathing exercises, pulmonary rehabilitation, or other targeted interventions.