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
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.
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