Causes of shortness of breath

Shortness of breath

definition

If you have difficulty breathing (Dyspnea) it is generally any form of difficult breathing that is accompanied by shortness of breath. This does not necessarily have to be accompanied by pain, but merely describes the condition that a patient has a subjective feeling of shortness of breath due to multiple possible causes.

causes

The causes of shortness of breath (Dyspnea) with accompanying shortness of breath are very diverse. Since breathing problems are involved, the lungs and their surrounding structures can be primarily affected.
For example, end-stage lung cancer leads to shortness of breath.
More information on the topic: How do you recognize lung cancer?
However, it may also be that the cause of the shortness of breath arises in the heart or due to psychological stress.

In order to provide the broadest possible overview of the causes of shortness of breath, this article will first look at the upper airways, i.e. everything from the mouth to the larynx, and then the lower airways, including the lungs.
Other causes of shortness of breath, for example due to heart problems or inflammation, are also treated separately.

In addition, the shortness of breath can also be caused by a bruised rib. Those affected try to breathe as shallowly as possible in order to prevent great pain. Read more about this under: Bruised ribs

You might also be interested in: Mentally induced shortness of breath, stinging in the chest when breathing

Upper respiratory tract as the cause

The upper respiratory tract includes the mouth (Oris), throat (Pharynx) and Larynx (larynx). The causes of shortness of breath are rarely found in the mouth. However, for example, it can be a epileptic seizure come to the fact that the patient his Tongue muscles no longer has it under control and the tongue falls back and closes the pharynx so that the patient can no longer breathe.
It is therefore important to ensure that patients who are not conscious, but are still breathing, into the stable side position in order to prevent the tongue from falling back and thus a cause of shortness of breath with accompanying shortness of breath.

In addition to the tongue, there are other structures in the mouth that can cause shortness of breath. On the one hand, incorrect food intake can result in the chunks of food in the windpipe get there, causing shortness of breath. Children in particular are at risk from this, which is why small children should not play with swallowable objects without supervision.

In the area of ​​the upper respiratory tract there are also various lymphatic tissues known as Waldeyer throat ring summarizes. These include, for example Almonds (Pharyngeal tonsil), which can be seen in pairs at the transition between mouth and throat.
These tonsils can cause shortness of breath, especially in children. On the one hand, it can lead to a "simple" Tonsillitis come. Usually the so-called A streptococci (Streptococcus pyogenes) Causative agent of tonsillitis (Tonsillitis). On the one hand, the bacteria cause whitish pus coverings on the almonds, on the other hand it comes to one severe swelling of the almonds.
In children in particular, but also in adults, untreated tonsillitis can quickly become a cause of shortness of breath. Patients complain of shortness of breath, especially at night, because the tongue that has fallen back slightly puts them under additional stress and makes it difficult to breathe.

The is also caused by infectious pathogens Pseudo croup (subglottic laryngitis, laryngospasm). This is a viral inflammation of the larynx. Especially Parainfluenza viruses, but also Influenza viruses are to blame for the pseudo croup and the accompanying shortness of breath.
Pseudo croup mainly affects small children, less often adolescents. Symptoms typically begin late in the evening or in the middle of the night. There is a strong barking to cough and the children complain of severe shortness of breath there Mucous membrane swells so much because of the inflammation that the airways become narrowed. This is to be taken seriously in any case, as in particularly bad cases Choking hazard threatens.
To be distinguished from the pseudo croup is real croup (diphtheria). In Germany this is due to the vaccination as good as extinct, but there are always new cases. Diphtheria has symptoms similar to one normal tonsillitis, only that the deposits on the tonsils are more likely to occur in the case of diptheria infection continuous and white-yellowish appear. If you try to remove this, it will also lead to bleeding. Due to the swollen tonsils Diptheria infection can also cause shortness of breath.

Another infection that primarily affects young children is the Epiglottitis. This is a bacterial inflammation of the Epiglottis (epiglottis). The causing bacteria are mostly Haemophilus capsule type B. Since the symptoms appear suddenly and quickly get worse, it is important to consult a doctor quickly, otherwise the airways can be blocked, which is the cause of the shortness of breath and, if left untreated, can quickly lead to death.
However, before breathlessness occurs, it is important to look for symptoms such as sudden ones Rise in fever, hoarseness and difficulties swallowing to pay attention.

In addition to the bacterial and viral causes of shortness of breath, a Swelling of the mucous membrane lead to acute shortness of breath in the area of ​​the larynx. This is a so-called Angioedema (Quincke edema). This is mostly due to Drug intolerance, but can also be triggered by a tumor or by a deposition of immune complexes. As it is especially at allergic reactions If acute, painless swelling occurs very quickly, but it does not go away on its own, an emergency doctor must be informed in any case, as otherwise increased breathlessness and even respiratory arrest can occur.

Lower airways and lungs as the cause

Difficulty breathing can also develop within the lower airways. These include the windpipe (Trachea) and all the more branched ones Bronchial branchesthat branch out further and further like the roots of a tree up to the round ones Alveoliin which the gas exchange takes place.

The cause of the shortness of breath can be in the windpipe. This is in close proximity to esophagus. If there is an enlargement in the area of ​​the esophagus, for example because it is difficult for food to pass from the esophagus into the stomach, the trachea can be narrowed by the enlargement of the esophagus. However, there is also the so-called Tracheal stenosiswhich causes a narrowing of the windpipe. This tracheal stenosis can either be congenital or it results from a Long-term intubation.

Also a very big one Goiter, so an enlargement of the thyroid, can cause the windpipe to become narrowed, causing the patient to experience shortness of breath.

In the bronchial area, the cause of shortness of breath can also be lung cancer, i.e. cancer. This is usually in the area of ​​the first large branch of the windpipe and therefore causes shortness of breath in the advanced stage.
However, the classic asthma disease, which can be accompanied by severe shortness of breath, is more common in the bronchi. An asthma attack is usually caused by an allergen (for example pollen in spring), but it is also possible that the asthma attack occurs without any external influence due to frequent pneumonia. Asthma is one of the most common causes of shortness of breath, and the trend is increasing.

Patients can also suffer from severe shortness of breath when the gas transport across the alveolar membrane is disturbed. The alveoli have to be imagined as an exchange station. Here, the fresh air laden with oxygen is exchanged for the carbon dioxide particles in the blood and the CO2 is exhaled. This exchange takes place via the membrane of the alveoli. If it is now, for example, due to increased fiber formation in pulmonary emphysema or in the Pulmonary fibrosis If there is a reduced oxygen exchange, the patient subjectively has the feeling that not enough oxygen is reaching him. This can lead to increased breathing and the subjective feeling of shortness of breath.

More information is available here: The pulmonary fibrosis

Acute pneumonia (pneumonia) is accompanied by shortness of breath. Pneumonia is widespread and causes serious problems, especially in hospitals. Bacteria are common, more precisely Pneumococci, to blame for the pneumonia and the associated shortness of breath. Pulmonary embolism is a particularly serious cause of shortness of breath. This means that a small thrombus is transported through the bloodstream to the lungs, where it blocks a vessel. This can go so far that the affected lung areas collapse, which is then subjectively perceived by the patient as a great lack of breath.

Another cause of shortness of breath can be cystic fibrosis. In this hereditary disease there is an increased excretion of chloride ions due to a duct defect. As a result, there is a viscous mixture of mucus in the bronchi, which the patient can only cough up with difficulty. This leads to severe shortness of breath and severe coughing fits.
With bronchiolitis there is also shortness of breath and an increased cough with slimy expectoration. However, bronchiolitis is an acute inflammation of the alveoli, usually caused by Parainfluenza viruses.

Another important cause in the lower respiratory tract that can lead to shortness of breath is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). As the name suggests, it causes chronic inflammation in the area of ​​the lungs, causing frequent slimy coughs and severe shortness of breath.

Causes of the heart

In the case of shortness of breath or breathlessness, many patients think of the causes first lung itself that heart however, it plays a role almost as important as the lungs.
On the one hand, it can be due to a Left heart failure to an increased pressure in the Pulmonary circulation come. The pressure “squeezes” fluid out of the small blood vessels. Thus a Pulmonary edema. This pulmonary edema is accompanied by severe shortness of breath and requires urgent treatment.

However, it is also possible that the shortness of breath is actually solely due to a dysfunction of the heart. Many patients with one Angina pectoris complain of increased shortness of breath. A Heart attack In addition to pain in the area of ​​the left chest, it also manifests itself with shortness of breath, which can even become so bad that the patient is afraid of suffocating.

In general, there are many causes of shortness of breath, and the list does not end there. Lots Allergies, psychological factors or also muscular or neural causes can lead to shortness of breath.

Difficulty breathing due to stress

The body can react to stressful situations with breathlessness or a feeling of breathlessness.

In such situations, the part of our autonomic nervous system that increases the willingness to take action under actual or perceived stress is predominantly active - the sympathetic nervous system. With an increased heart rate, reduced bowel activity, increased sweat production and a ready lungs, the body is put in an increased willingness to perform in stress or danger, which in extreme cases can result in shortness of breath.

Difficulty breathing due to allergy

Breathlessness or shortness of breath can also be caused by allergies. Even slight physical exertion can lead to shortness of breath in the presence of an allergy.

These breathing problems are often accompanied by other symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat, watery eyes, the urge to sneeze or cough, severe itching or reddening of the eyes. In connection with breathing difficulties, allergies are often only thought of when they are so pronounced and resemble allergic asthma.

Symptoms typically occur depending on the season, in certain rooms or situations. If breathing problems are already present in connection with an allergy, this indicates that the lungs are involved and can be a harbinger of allergic bronchial asthma. In these cases, it is important to see a doctor to examine the symptoms. There is then the opportunity to carry out an allergy test.

If there is an allergy, the factors or situations that trigger breathlessness should be avoided and an emergency spray should be prescribed and always carried with you. In the case of some allergies, a desensitization can also be carried out, through which the allergy can be contained and future attacks of shortness of breath can be avoided.

Read more on this topic at: Therapy of an allergy, Desensitization for hay fever

The thyroid as the cause of shortness of breath

In extreme cases, if the thyroid gland is enlarged, symptoms such as shortness of breath can occur.

In addition to any cosmetic problems, there may be a gag reflex or a general tightness in the throat, which is worsened when you lie on your back. Difficulty swallowing, hoarseness or an urge to cough are also possible. An enlarged thyroid is also known as a goiter or goiter, and the most common cause of thyroid enlargement is iodine deficiency.

It is important in this context that it is not just about the shortness of breath caused by an enlargement of the thyroid gland, which in itself is very unpleasant, but that it is essential to clarify why such an enlargement of the thyroid gland occurred in the first place. In addition to the iodine deficiency just mentioned, the formation of cysts, autoimmune diseases, enzyme defects or benign and malignant tumors can also lead to the formation of a goiter. Since therapy must be initiated according to the causative illness, it is important to consult a doctor if symptoms such as shortness of breath and an enlarged thyroid gland occur.

Read more on this topic at: Thyroid disorders

Shortness of breath due to lack of iron

Iron deficiency is the most common human disease worldwide, although the cause of the deficiency can be very different. The iron deficiency can lead to dry nail and hair changes, torn corners of the mouth and also to anemia. Typical symptoms of anemia due to iron deficiency are shortness of breath during exercise (exertional dyspnea), rapid heart rate (tachycardia), paleness of the skin and mucous membranes, and rapid fatigue or reduced performance.

Iron supplements should be taken therapeutically and, if possible, the cause of the iron deficiency eliminated.

Mental causes

Acute shortness of breath can occur due to various psychological causes. For example, in the context of an anxiety or panic attack, fear leads to faster breathing (hyperventilation) up to feelings of suffocation and fear of death, accompanied by accompanying vegetative reactions such as increased sweating, racing heart, tremors, hot flashes, chills and dry mouth.

Panic attacks, which can be an expression of a panic disorder, can occur recurring, attack-like and in unspecific situations. An anxiety disorder or hyperventilation syndrome can also cause shortness of breath.

Great excitement, fear or stress can also trigger what is known as psychogenic dyspnea. In this case, affected individuals begin to hyperventilate. Hyperventilation is an unphysiologically accelerated breathing that causes gas exchange in the lungs to be disturbed. Altered breathing depth and frequency can lead to muscle cramps, dizziness, paresthesia in the extremities and feelings of anxiety due to hyperventilation. If hyperventilation is psychological, calming down or, if necessary, sedating the person affected in combination with controlled rebreathing usually leads to an improvement in the symptoms.

Difficulty breathing as an indication of lung cancer?

Symptoms of lung cancer often only appear at an advanced stage of the tumor. Typically, breathlessness, coughing up blood, chronic coughing or recurring colds, increased night sweats, possibly fever and weight loss then occur. If these symptoms occur, a doctor should be consulted promptly to clarify the symptoms.

Shortness of breath due to muscle tension

Tension can cause breathing problems and even shortness of breath.

Contrary to the widespread belief that the lungs more or less fill and empty themselves with oxygen and the surrounding structures move with it, it is the case that we expand the chest with the help of muscles, thereby creating a negative pressure and the lungs passively follow it and in this way inflates and fills with oxygen. This means that the external muscles of the lungs are pulled apart and then compressed again. Depending on how much oxygen we “need” and what condition the lungs are in, a different number of muscle groups are used - there are also postures that make breathing easier.

This also explains that tension in the respiratory muscles (in a certain sense the abdominal and chest muscles) can lead to significantly poorer breathing.

Difficulty breathing associated with cough

If breathlessness and coughing go together, it can indicate different things. If there is constant coughing with difficult breathing or even shortness of breath, this can be the sign of chronic (often obstructive) bronchitis.

If you have a dry cough, especially nocturnal, and you are short of breath, you may have asthma. These symptoms can also be present in heart failure. It is therefore important to have a doctor examine you thoroughly if the symptoms are mentioned, and if so, which disease is behind the symptoms.

Difficulty breathing associated with a racing heart

If the symptoms of shortness of breath, shortness of breath (dyspnoea) and palpitations (tachycardia) combine, there can be different causes.

For example, in the case of cardiac insufficiency, the heart's pumping capacity is no longer sufficient to maintain the blood circulation. The resulting backwater accumulates in the whole body, in the legs and also in the lungs. With the help of medication, the heart can and must be relieved in the event of cardiac insufficiency.

The body also reacts to stress or great fear with an increased heart rate and shortness of breath, often in combination with increased sweating due to increased activity of the sympathetic system. This is the part of the autonomic nervous system that mainly controls the bodily functions that make the human body more willing to perform. This symptom complex can also occur in acute triggering situations in patients with mental illnesses such as anxiety or panic disorders, in the case of a panic attack, in asthmatics or sometimes "only" with a stronger flu. Frequently occurring shortness of breath, especially in combination with a racing heart, tightness in the chest, chest pain or even loss of consciousness should always be clarified by a doctor. Only this can determine whether a heart disease is hidden behind it and how it can be treated.

Difficulty breathing associated with dizziness

If shortness of breath and dizziness occur together, this can have different causes. For example, previous hyperventilation (unphysiologically accelerated breathing) can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, muscle spasms and abnormal sensations in the extremities. These symptoms are caused by the shallow, rapid breathing and the increased exhalation of CO2. Difficulty breathing and dizziness can also be caused by cardiac arrhythmias, for example. If the symptoms occur repeatedly or are extremely pronounced, a doctor should be consulted to clarify the symptoms or, if necessary, an emergency doctor should be called.

Difficulty breathing associated with back pain

If there is back pain due to strong tension or a blockage in the spine, this can lead to breathing problems and even shortness of breath.

In such cases, muscle relaxation, intermittent use of pain relievers, injections of pain relievers into potentially tight areas, or unblocking the spine can help. Such attempts should by no means be carried out hastily on their own or taken indiscriminately pain medication. If such back pain is present, an examination should be carried out by a doctor and he should decide on how to proceed.

Symptoms

As already mentioned, the symptom of shortness of breath occurs in connection with a wide variety of causes. It is therefore important to the accompanying symptoms to watch out for that come with the shortness of breath.

If a patient has chyme in the windpipe that does not go through the lower exit of the esophagus in the stomach can slip, this leads not only to shortness of breath but also to a feeling of pressure in the area of ​​the Neck and to Vomit.
At a Tonsillitis the patient can usually do this himself swollen tonsils and with a small lamp in the area behind the tongue recognize the thick almonds with the whitish coatings. This would also be the case with the so-called Pseudo croup or at the diphtheria the case.
At a Epiglottitis In addition to shortness of breath, there is also a symptom lumpy language paired with strong Sore throatdifficulty swallowing (Dysphagia) and usually rapidly increasing high fever.

In contrast, if the windpipe is narrowed by tracheal stenosis, it usually only results in shortness of breath. However, the trachea is enlarged as a result of it thyroid narrowed, so you can sometimes also see the enlarged thyroid gland in the area of ​​the Adam's apple feel.
At the Lung cancer symptoms appear very late. The first symptoms are shortness of breath, hoarseness and more often to coughwhich may be dry at first, but then often bloody becomes. Additionally can Chest pain and swelling in the face.
With pulmonary fibrosis it comes to faster fatigue and low load capacity next to the shortness of breath. Usually another symptom is an increased cough.

In cystic fibrosis, one finds the classic very much slimy coughwhich remains constant over long periods of time and leads to severe shortness of breath.
It is similar with the Bronchiolitis, only that this disease disappears after a short time and does not keep coming back.
At a COPD the patient also complains about always recurring coughing attacksthat can drag on for weeks and are paired with great shortness of breath.

Is the shortness of breath caused by a Heart disease, so the heart problems are often in the foreground. A Pulmonary edema arises only when the heart has not worked properly for a long time and therefore symptoms such as Exhaustion, decreased resilience and Chest pain. Above all a Heart attack initially manifests itself in severe pain in the area of ​​the left arm and left chest. The shortness of breath is more of an accompanying symptom here.

diagnosis

To make the diagnosis of shortness of breath, the doctor usually only needs a medical history, i.e. a conversation with the patient. Because here he can do possible allergic reaction, Pre-existing illness or chargessuch as frequent smoking, assess and evaluate.

In addition, this serves Listening to the lungs (Auscultation) for diagnosis. To do this, the doctor uses his stethoscope and can therefore use the Lung borders and any Sounds identify, which in turn provide information about the disease. A wet rattling sound indicates, for example water in the lungs like it with Pulmonary edema the case is.
In addition, the doctor can pat the back in order to determine the boundaries of the lungs more precisely.

After these simple methods there are also special diagnostics to get to the bottom of the shortness of breath. This includes, for example Full body pletysmograph, in which the patient sits in a closed pressure chamber and breathes through a valve in order to determine his air volume and breathing capacity.

When does the shortness of breath occur?

Difficulty breathing when it is cold

Too cold air and sub-zero temperatures can lead to health problems. Especially patients who already have lung disease (especially asthmatics or patients with chronic bronchitis) run the risk of having problems breathing. The cold air irritates the airways, which narrows the airways and causes shortness of breath. It can be helpful to use some kind of "face mask" and breathe in through a scarf, for example, so that the cold air does not get directly into the lungs. Asthmatics are better off not exercising in cold temperatures outside to prevent attacks of acute shortness of breath.

Difficulty breathing after eating

If you have breathing problems such as shortness of breath or shortness of breath after eating, there can be various causes.

If too much food has been consumed, the result is that the diaphragm is pushed upwards, the lungs are somewhat “compressed” and their mobility is restricted. To compensate for this, we breathe faster and shallower after excessive food intake. The same situation arises when we ingest too much fluid in too short a time.

If food is not chewed thoroughly, if it is too spicy or fatty, this can lead to indigestion and breathing problems. Difficulty breathing can also occur as an allergic reaction to food intolerance.

People with gastroesophageal reflux disease (heartburn) also occasionally experience breathing problems after eating.

Aside from these causes, a tumor of the air or food tract can cause shortness of breath after eating. In this case, the tumor represents a spatial obstacle, which can obstruct or at least restrict the airflow into the lungs when eating.

If shortness of breath and shortness of breath after eating are the result of overeating, eating habits should be restricted to smaller portions. If this is not the reason, the symptoms should urgently be examined and clarified by a doctor.

Read more on this topic at: Tracheal constriction, tracheal cancer, esophageal cancer

Shortness of breath at night

Many people complain of shortness of breath at night.
There are various explanations for this, which apply depending on the case. On the one hand, for example Obesity cause the abdominal mass and the organs to push the diaphragm upwards in the lying position, especially in the supine position.
In this way, the lungs can no longer fully unfold when you inhale, as they cannot counter the weight.

The fact that the backflow of blood from the body periphery is increased at night by lying down also plays a certain role in the case of shortness of breath at night, as the heart has to pump more blood through the lungs and body circuit. If the heart is too weak, if blood backs up into the pulmonary vessels or if it pumps too little into the lungs, this can lead to shortness of breath.

Also one Lung diseasewhich leads to reduced ventilation of the lungs and oxygenation of the blood, can cause shortness of breath at night.
As smokers are used to higher carbon dioxide concentrations, this natural respiratory drive decreases and both the respiratory rate and the oxygen load in the blood decrease. This can also cause shortness of breath.
A glottic cramp, the cause of which is still largely unknown, can cause shortness of breath.

Difficulty breathing when falling asleep

If you experience difficulty breathing (dyspnoea) when you fall asleep, it can have different causes. This can be the case, for example, in the presence of sleep-related asthma, chronic lung disease, gastroesophageal reflux (heartburn) or in the presence of a heart disease (heart failure; heart failure).

This shortness of breath can also appear along with the fear of suffocation. Those affected by anxiety or panic disorders can also suffer from these symptoms when falling asleep, often in combination with increased sweating and a racing heart. The causes of shortness of breath when falling asleep can be very diverse and require completely different approaches. Since patients with shortness of breath often develop fear of falling asleep when they fall asleep, it is also important to see a doctor and have the symptoms clarified.

Read more on this topic at: sleep disorders

Difficulty breathing when lying down

Difficulty breathing (dyspnea) when lying down can affect people of different ages and there can be different causes.

Some diseases make us breathe faster, which makes breathing shallower and the body receives insufficient oxygen. The normal breathing rate for adults is between 15 and 20 breaths per minute.

Reasons for shortness of breath when lying down can include obesity, congenital malformations of the airways or the surrounding structures, but also abuse of certain substances (such as alcohol or drugs) or mental illnesses, anxiety or panic disorders.

However, it is also possible that the shortness of breath is an expression of cardiac insufficiency (heart failure) in an advanced stage or is caused by sleep apnea syndrome. In the case of sleep apnea syndrome, there is an increased number of pauses in breathing at night and thus an insufficient supply of oxygen.

Since shortness of breath is not a disease of its own, but can only be a symptom of an underlying cause, shortness of breath should urgently be clarified by a doctor while lying down, as it can be an indication of a serious illness.

Shortness of breath in sleep

If you experience difficulty breathing during sleep (nocturnal dyspnea), this can have different causes.

For example, nocturnal heartburn (gastroesophageal reflux), asthma and chronic lung diseases or heart failure (heart failure) can lead to nocturnal shortness of breath and sometimes fear of suffocation. This can also be the case in patients with anxiety and panic disorders or with psychogenic seizures.

Parasomnia, a disorder in which people sometimes suffer from wake-up disorders or disorders of the sleep-wake transition, can also be a cause of nocturnal shortness of breath. In the case of a sub-form of parasomnia (pavor nocturnus), other strong vegetative reactions such as palpitations and cold sweat or nocturnal wetting can occur. Stress, change or excessive demands are possible triggers here and usually no specific therapy is required.

The causes of nocturnal shortness of breath can therefore be very diverse and require completely different approaches. It is therefore important to seek medical advice and perform a physical examination if symptoms occur. More precise conclusions about possible causes for the sleep behavior can often be drawn after a measurement in the sleep laboratory. Since patients who suffer from shortness of breath and fear of suffocation at night often develop fear of falling asleep - this is another important reason for a medical examination.

Read more on this topic at: insomnia

Difficulty breathing during exercise

When exercised, the cardiac output increases, i.e. the volume of blood that is pumped from the heart into the body's circulation within a minute. Both the Heart rate as well as the heartbeat volume.
The aim is to meet the body's increased need for oxygen as a result of the stress. As a result, more blood in the lungs needs to be oxygenated in a short period of time, increasing blood flow to the lungs and increasing respiratory rate. When exposed to stress, the blood vessels in the lungs also react with an expansion, so that a higher blood flow is possible.

For example, are you very untrained or have one Heart failure so the heart cannot increase the stroke volume of blood and the heart rate according to the increased oxygen demand. The blood is backed up in the lungs and overloads them.
The gas exchange and thus the enrichment of the blood with oxygen cannot take place as usual. It can be the same with a Pulmonary fibrosis, in which functional lung tissue is replaced by connective tissue, or in a chronic obstructive pulmonary diseasein which the airways are narrowed, there is a reduced diffusion of oxygen from the lungs towards the blood. Heart and lung diseases are just two examples that can cause shortness of breath during exercise.
If there is no organic cause for the shortness of breath, it may simply be due to an untrained body condition. Targeted exercise can train both the heart and the lungs, so that the heartbeat volume and blood flow in the lungs increase efficiently during exercise.

Difficulty breathing when climbing stairs

If shortness of breath is caused by climbing a few stairs, one should pay attention.

It is quite possible that behind the rapid exhaustion and shortness of breath (dyspnea) during exertion there is an unknown or insufficiently well treated disease of the heart (heart failure; heart failure). However, there is no reason to panic right away if breathing is a little faster during exercise. If you have to do more breathing work when doing heavy physical work around the house, exercising, climbing a steep slope or sprinting, this is completely normal.

Due to the increased work of the muscles, more oxygen is required in order to be able to supply the body adequately. In this case, too, more CO2 accumulates in the body in exchange, which is then released more strongly through breathing.

However, attention is required when you get breathless when doing little physical exertion, going for a walk, doing light work around the house or in the garden, or climbing just a few steps. In these cases the shortness of breath should be perceived as a warning signal and a doctor should be consulted promptly to clarify the symptoms.

Difficulty breathing after anesthesia

After an anesthetic has been performed, there should usually not be any shortness of breath.

The anesthesia is only ended (e.g. the tube in the windpipe is only removed) when the anesthetists ensure that the patient is able to breathe spontaneously and react and when the protective reflexes (such as swallowing or coughing reflex) are present are. To prevent possible ingestion or inhalation of saliva or other liquids (to minimize the risk of aspiration), the patient's airways are thoroughly suctioned before the anesthesia is stopped. If, for example, complications such as shortness of breath occur due to the patient's strong mucus after the anesthesia, there is always competent staff in the recovery room who can react immediately in any situations that may arise.

Read more on this topic at: Vomiting after anesthesia, after-effects of anesthesia - symptoms, duration, therapy

Difficulty breathing after pneumonia

One of the typical symptoms of pneumonia is shortness of breath (dyspnea) and faster breathing (tachypnea). These symptoms should subside as part of therapy.

If these symptoms worsen again after pneumonia has been adequately treated and there are possibly other complaints such as fever, cough, headache and body aches, those affected should return to their doctor.

In addition to shortness of breath, pneumonia can cause other symptoms that, if not recognized, can spread to all organs. Therefore, also read: Consequences of pneumonia

Difficulty breathing after quitting smoking

After quitting smoking, physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms occur, which can be differently pronounced at different times. These include:

• increased irritability
• fatigue
• strong craving for cigarettes
• nervousness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Cravings
• Dejection

The occurrence of shortness of breath cannot primarily be explained by giving up cigarettes, as the lungs begin to recover from the permanent damage caused by the exogenous noxae (cigarette smoke). During this process, there may be periods of increased coughing, resulting in shortness of breath. Rather, it is possible that the psychological withdrawal symptoms result in internal stress to which the body can react with shortness of breath (dyspnoea) and an increased heart rate (tachycardia).

Read more on this topic at: Illnesses related to smoking, consequences of smoking

Difficulty breathing after consuming alcohol

Excessive consumption of alcohol activates that part of the autonomic nervous system that makes the human body more willing to perform, the sympathetic nervous system. This leads to the fact that the blood pressure rises, the heart pumps faster, there is more sweating and it may also lead to shortness of breath or even shortness of breath. The consumption of stimulants such as coffee (caffeine) also activates the sympathetic system

Difficulty breathing during pregnancy

During the pregnancy In some cases it can lead to shortness of breath.
Difficulty breathing is typical when the pregnancy is so advanced that the uterus pushes the diaphragm upwards due to its forward-upward growth and thus restricts the lung's space to develop.

This effect is supported by a lying position of the pregnant woman, since the organs and the uterus, including the child, follow the force of gravity and push the diaphragm even more upwards.
The consequence of this is the increase in the respiratory rate in order to maintain oxygen uptake. This is typical of the Late pregnancy. This form of shortness of breath can be relieved by changing the position, for example to sit or stand leaning forward, since the lungs then have enough space to develop again by lowering the diaphragm.
Also a Vena-Cava Compression Syndrome can express itself with shortness of breath. The large abdominal vein, which carries the blood from the body back to the heart, is compressed by the uterus and transports less oxygen-poor blood to the heart and consequently also to the lungs.
The more advanced the pregnancy is, the sooner the pregnant woman should lie on her left side to avoid this. Furthermore, asthma with shortness of breath can occur during pregnancy.

The development of asthma during pregnancy is related to the physiological change in the female body. In any case, it makes sense to consult a doctor to clarify the cause of the shortness of breath.

Difficulty breathing in children

Shortness of breath or dyspnea is an emergency situation that frequently occurs in children and must be responded to immediately. The shortness of breath can have various causes, it can be acute (attack-like) or continuous.

The cause of shortness of breath can be a respiratory tract infection, bronchitis, asthma, an allergic reaction to, for example, an insect bite or a certain food (food allergy), pneumonia or an aspirated (inhaled / swallowed and got into the airways) foreign body.

Some children hold their breath out of defiance, anger or pain, which can lead to cramps and the resulting shortness of breath. Shortness of breath can also be an expression of a respiratory, lung or heart disease or it can be triggered by anxiety or panic attacks.

If a child has acute shortness of breath, there is an acute risk of suffocation and a pediatrician should be contacted immediately, especially at night, and, if necessary, the emergency room or an emergency doctor should be called.In these situations, it is important to keep calm and calm the child. A racing heart, restlessness and the fear of suffocation can be exacerbated by the restlessness of the parents alone. If a diagnosis of allergy or asthma is known, an emergency spray for acute situations must always be within reach.

Read our main article on shortness of breath in children

What is shortness of breath syndrome?

About half of all premature babies before the 32nd week of pregnancy develop what is known as the infant respiratory distress syndrome.

Clinically, the respiratory distress syndrome manifests itself through increased work of breathing, which is visible through faster breathing and retraction of the ribs. The lack of oxygen and inadequate breathing in the newborn is also reflected in pale to grayish skin color.

The disease is caused when a protein (the surfactant) has not yet been sufficiently formed by the lungs - in the case of the newborn, the lungs are not yet mature, which leads to the collapse of the alveoli and insufficient oxygen exchange in the lungs. To prevent the alveoli from collapsing, the newborn has to work harder to breathe. The inadequately functioning gas exchange in the lungs and the resulting insufficient supply of the newborn with oxygen can be checked by performing a blood gas analysis.

As therapy, ventilation should be carried out directly with the aid of a mask (CPAP). If this is not enough to supply the newborn with sufficient oxygen, artificial surfactant can be administered. Preventive efforts should be made to avoid premature births. If it cannot be avoided, the administration of certain medications before the birth can help the lungs to mature.

Read more on this topic under: diseases of premature babies

therapy

In order to cure the shortness of breath, the Primary disease be resolved. At a Tonsillitis, diphtheria or Epigottitis the patient must as quickly as possible Antibiotics take to reduce the inflammation, then the tonsils swell again, the inflammation disappears and the shortness of breath is relieved.
If the windpipe is narrowed by the thyroid or through a stenosis, usually only an operation to relieve the shortness of breath will help.
At a Lung cancer the therapy usually looks very bad, as lung cancer is only recognized very late.
At a pneumonia (lung infection) it helps the patient to take antibiotics, because the bacteria are killed and the inflammation that causes the shortness of breath can be eliminated.
At a Pulmonary fibrosis mostly only help Cortisone and permanent oxygen therapy to alleviate shortness of breath.
The Cystic fibrosis must be kept in check as well as possible through physiotherapy, inhalations and antibiotics in order to minimize shortness of breath and persistent coughing.

If the shortness of breath comes from the heart, i.e. due to increased pressure (Pulmonary edema) or due to a Heart attack, this is how you first have to treat the heart, then the shortness of breath disappears by itself.

prophylaxis

There is no single prophylaxis against shortness of breath. However, it is important for existing ones allergy not to expose the allergy-causing substances, as this automatically leads to shortness of breath.

Smoking should also be avoided, as smokers are much more likely to develop lung cancer or pulmonary fibrosis than non-smokers.
Additionally, it helps that Respiratory muscles to train again and again and regularly Endurance sports to do in the fresh air, as this promotes the circulation of oxygen through the body and can thus counteract a shortage of breath.

In addition, attention should be paid to a reduced weight, because too much fat in the area of ​​the chest and abdomen severely restricts breathing and thus it is easier to breathe, but also due to the increased Fat levels in the blood to Heart attacks and thus indirectly lead to shortness of breath.

Home remedies for shortness of breath

If the shortness of breath (dyspnea) is caused by a cold, teas are an effective home remedy. Herbal teas (lavender, mint, lemon balm) are very suitable. Taking (chamomile) steam baths, using nasal showers or cough removers at the same time, and treating the chest with moist, warm compresses can also relieve the symptoms.

If you have severe shortness of breath, you should try to stay calm and inhale and exhale slowly and slowly. Certain postures such as the goalkeeper or coachman posture can also improve breathing. If the shortness of breath does not improve, a doctor should be consulted or an emergency doctor should be called in.