What causes breathing problems?

Common causes of feeling short of breath are:

• lung problems, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• heart problems, such as a cardiovascular disease and heart failure
• infections in the airways, such as croup, bronchitis, pneumonia, COVID-19, the flu and even a cold
• a panic attack or anxiety
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Other causes of suddenly feeling short of breath are:

• allergic reactions
• lung collapse
• a blockage from a clot in one of the blood vessels in the lung (pulmonary embolism)
• rare lung conditions
• some infections, including COVID-19

Some people feel short of breath long term. This can be caused by:

• smoking
• being unfit
• being obese
• anaemia
• heart failure or other heart problems
• lung cancer

If your breathing problems are caused by a cold or chest infection, you might also have a cough, fever, sore throat, sneezing, blocked or runny nose and general congestion.

If the problem is to do with your heart, you might also have chest pain, feel light-headed and nauseous. If you have been diagnosed with angina, take your medication as directed. Wait 5 minutes and take another dose.

If the problem is asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), you might also have a lot of mucous, a wheezing sound when you breathe, and your symptoms might get worse with exercise or during the night.

If the problem is a panic attack, you might also have a fast heartbeat, sweating and shaking, nausea, dizziness and a sense of impending doom or danger.