Shortness of Breath
A feeling of being unable to catch your breath or get enough air, which can be sudden or gradual.
Also known as: dyspnea, breathlessness.
Category: Respiratory
Drugs labeled for Shortness of Breath
4 medication ingredients list an association with shortness of breath in current FDA labeling.
Symptoms associated with Shortness of Breath
The following symptoms have been associated with Shortness of Breath in medical literature. Not everyone experiences the same symptoms.
Breathlessness When Lying Flat
Difficulty breathing when lying flat that improves when sitting up, which can be a sign of heart failure....
Chest Tightness
A feeling of pressure, squeezing, or tightness in the chest, which can be related to heart, lung, or muscle co...
Dyspnea
Difficult or labored breathing. Dyspnea is a subjective feeling only the patient can rate, e.g., on a Borg sca...
Exertional dyspnea
Perceived difficulty to breathe that occurs with exercise or exertion and improves with rest....
Wheezing
A high-pitched whistling sound associated with labored breathing....
Tests used to investigate Shortness of Breath
Healthcare providers may order these tests when evaluating Shortness of Breath. Test selection is a clinical decision made by a qualified professional.
BNP / NT-proBNP
Measures B-type natriuretic peptide to help evaluate heart failure....
CBC with Differential
Measures red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets to help evaluate overall health and detect disorder...
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
Measures 14 substances in the blood to assess kidney and liver function, electrolyte balance, and blood sugar ...
Conditions with overlapping symptoms
These conditions share symptoms with Shortness of Breath, which is why a clinical evaluation is important.
Allergic Asthma
Asthma triggered by allergens such as pollen, dust mites, or pet dander....
Asthma
A chronic inflammatory condition of the airways that causes episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightn...
Chronic graft versus host disease
Chronic graft versus host disease is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and sign...
Eisenmenger syndrome
Eisenmenger syndrome is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
Relapsing polychondritis
Relapsing polychondritis is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
respiratory infections, recurrent, and failure to thrive with or without diarrhea
respiratory infections, recurrent, and failure to thrive with or without diarrhea is a medical condition that ...
When to seek emergency care
Seek emergency care for sudden, severe shortness of breath, especially with chest pain or blue lips.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shortness of Breath?
Shortness of Breath is a health condition described in medical literature. A feeling of being unable to catch your breath or get enough air, which can be sudden or gradual.
What are the symptoms of Shortness of Breath?
Shortness of Breath is associated with 5 symptoms in the medical literature we index, including Breathlessness When Lying Flat, Chest Tightness, Dyspnea, Exertional dyspnea, Wheezing. Symptoms vary widely between individuals.
How is Shortness of Breath diagnosed or investigated?
A healthcare provider may use a combination of medical history, physical examination, and tests. Common tests associated with Shortness of Breath include BNP / NT-proBNP, CBC with Differential, Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP). This information is educational, not a diagnosis.
Is SymptomDatabase.com diagnosing me?
No. SymptomDatabase.com does not provide diagnosis. If you are concerned you may have Shortness of Breath, please discuss your symptoms with a qualified healthcare provider.