Dyspnea (Shortness of Breath) Treatment in Gurgaon, India
What is Dyspnea(Shortness of Breath)?
Dyspnea, commonly known as shortness of breath, is the sensation of not getting enough air or struggling to breathe. It’s a widespread symptom that can occur in various health conditions, ranging from benign to life-threatening. Shortness of breath can be acute, lasting for a short time, or chronic, persisting for weeks or even longer. It can also be triggered by physical activity, illness, or anxiety.
Dyspnea treatment is typically diagnosed and treated by general practitioners, pulmonologists (lung specialists), cardiologists (heart specialists), depending on the underlying cause. In cases where anxiety is a factor, a mental health professional may also be involved.
Dyspnea can be common in both healthy individuals and those with chronic medical conditions. However, it is particularly prevalent among older adults and those with pre-existing heart or lung diseases. The latest studies suggest around 10-20% of the adult population experiences shortness of breath at some point in their lives.
People with conditions affecting the lungs, heart, or blood vessels are at an increased risk of experiencing dyspnea. These include individuals with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart failure, or anemia. Additionally, those who smoke, have a sedentary lifestyle, or are overweight are also more prone to developing shortness of breath.
What are the Early Signs and Symptoms of Dyspnea (Shortness of Breath)?
While Dyspnea in itself is a symptom, the early signs can develop gradually or appear suddenly. Recognizing the early signs of shortness of breath can help in timely diagnosis and treatment. Symptoms can be silent or apparent depending on the medical health and age of the patient.
Apparent Symptoms include:
An immediate sensation that the body is not getting enough air, especially during physical activity.
Rapid, shallow breathing, also known as tachypnea, is commonly seen.
A high-pitched sound while breathing, indicating narrowed airways.
A feeling of pressure or constriction in the chest, often associated with conditions like asthma or heart disease.
Silent Symptoms of Dyspnea (Shortness of Breath)
Feeling excessively tired or weak even with minimal physical effort.
An attempt to increase oxygen intake when the body struggles to breathe.
A chronic or dry cough may accompany dyspnea, often linked to respiratory issues like asthma or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).
What Causes Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea)?
While occasional shortness of breath can occur after strenuous activity or due to temporary conditions like stress, persistent or unexplained dyspnea warrants medical attention. Understanding the causes of shortness of breath is crucial because it can be a sign of an underlying health condition, some of which may be serious or life-threatening. Certain medical conditions associated with the lungs, heart, and blood can increase the risk of shortness of breath:
Lung and Airway Conditions:
A chronic disease causing the airways to become inflamed, leading to shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing.
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
Includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, where the lungs' airflow is partially blocked.
Pneumonia or Pneumothorax
Infection or collapsed lung that can obstruct airflow and lead to severe breathing difficulties.
A blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs is often caused by blood clots.
Heart and Blood Conditions:
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
The heart's inability to pump blood efficiently causes fluid buildup in the lungs, resulting in shortness of breath.
Pneumonia, Bronchitis, or COVID-19: Infections can cause inflammation and fluid buildup in the lungs, leading to breathing difficulties.
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Narrowing of the heart's blood vessels, which can lead to chest pain and shortness of breath.
A condition where you don’t have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen, leading to breathlessness, fatigue, and weakness.
A blockage in a coronary artery that limits blood flow to the heart, causing chest pain and shortness of breath.
Other Medical Conditions:
Emotional stress and panic attacks can result in hyperventilation and feelings of breathlessness.
Excess weight can restrict lung expansion and make breathing more difficult.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Acid reflux can irritate the airways and cause wheezing or shortness of breath.
During pregnancy, hormonal changes and the growing uterus can exert pressure on the diaphragm, making it harder to breathe, especially in the later stages.
How is Dyspnea Diagnosed?
Dyspnea, or shortness of breath, is diagnosed through a thorough medical evaluation that includes analysing detailed patient history, physical examination, and assessment of symptoms. Examining patient history involves understanding when the shortness of breath started and how far it has progressed. The doctor may recommend the following tests and medical analyses to confirm dyspnea:
A small device that clips onto the finger to measure oxygen saturation levels in the blood. Low levels of oxygen may indicate underlying respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.
Pulmonary Function Testing
Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT) is a vital diagnostic tool used to evaluate the underlying causes of dyspnea, or shortness of breath, by assessing how well the lungs are functioning. PFT measures key parameters such as lung volumes, airflow, and gas exchange efficiency, helping to distinguish between obstructive conditions (like asthma and COPD), restrictive lung diseases (such as pulmonary fibrosis), and other respiratory disorders. The tests include spirometry to assess airflow, lung volume measurements to evaluate lung capacity, and diffusing capacity tests (DLCO) to determine how effectively oxygen passes into the bloodstream.
Blood tests can identify anemia, infection, or other conditions that may contribute to shortness of breath.
Imaging tests to evaluate the lungs, heart, and surrounding structures. They help diagnose conditions like pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, or fluid in the lungs.
Echocardiography, commonly known as an ultrasound of the heart, is a crucial diagnostic tool used to evaluate the cardiac causes of dyspnea, or shortness of breath. This non-invasive test uses sound waves to create real-time images of the heart’s structure and function, allowing physicians to assess heart chambers, valves, and blood flow.
Used to monitor the heart's rhythm and detect conditions such as heart attack or arrhythmias that could be causing dyspnea.
A subjective scale to measure the severity of shortness of breath, often used in research or in assessing patients with chronic respiratory conditions.
How is Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea) Treated?
Shortness of breath (dyspnea) focuses on addressing the underlying cause, as dyspnea is a symptom. The doctor may recommend symptom relief methods, treating any underlying cause, depending on whether the dyspnea is acute or chronic and the severity of the underlying condition. Dyspnea treatment also depends upon the ethology found based on the investigations.
For conditions like asthma and COPD, these drugs help open airways and ease breathing.
Reduce inflammation in the airways or lungs.
In cases of heart failure, these drugs reduce fluid buildup in the lungs.
When blood oxygen levels are low, supplemental oxygen may be required to help the patient breathe more easily.
Smoking is a major risk factor for respiratory diseases, and quitting can reduce symptoms.
In cases of obesity, losing weight can improve lung function and reduce shortness of breath.
Techniques like diaphragmatic breathing or pursed-lip breathing can help improve lung capacity and ease shortness of breath.
In some cases, surgery may be required, such as in the case of a blocked airway, heart surgery for coronary artery disease, or lung surgery for conditions like lung cancer.
How Can I Prevent Shortness of Breath?
Preventing shortness of breath (dyspnea) largely depends on managing the underlying health conditions that can cause it. While not all cases of dyspnea can be prevented, especially those related to sudden medical emergencies, several strategies can help reduce the risk. Here are some preventive measures:
Smoking is the leading cause of lung disease and heart problems.
Regular physical activity helps keep your lungs and heart healthy.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Excess weight can stress your heart and lungs.
Monitor Chronic Conditions
If you have asthma, heart disease, or other conditions, following prescribed treatments can help manage symptoms.
Avoid Environmental Triggers
Pollutants, allergens, and respiratory infections can trigger shortness of breath. Wearing masks or staying indoors during poor air quality can help.
Choose Artemis Hospitals for Comprehensive Pulmonary Care in Gurgaon:
The Department of Respiratory/ Pulmonology deals with the diseases affecting the lungs and the respiratory system. It has the capability for the evaluation & management of the entire range of acute & chronic respiratory diseases such as Asthma and respiratory allergies, COPD, ILD, Lung cancer, autoimmune disorders, sleep-related disorders and chest wall disorders. The department is integrated with the department of critical care to provide comprehensive care to patients requiring life support. A team of highly qualified intensive care specialists are available around the clock. Apart from the expertise, the department is well equipped with the latest diagnostic & therapeutic technologies in the field of respiratory care.
To book an appointment with the top pulmonologist in Gurgaon, contact Artemis Hospitals at +91-124-451-1111 or WhatsApp us at +91 9599285476. You can also schedule an appointment through our online patient portal or download and register on the Artemis Personal Health Record mobile app, available for both iOS and Android devices.
Reviewed By Dr. Shweta Bansal
Unit Head & Sr. Consultant - Respiratory/ Pulmonology & Sleep Medicine
Artemis Hospitals
Frequently Asked Questions:
When should I worry about shortness of breath?
If shortness of breath is sudden, severe, or accompanied by chest pain, dizziness, or fainting, seek medical help immediately.
What are paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (PND) and sighing dyspnea?
PND refers to sudden nighttime shortness of breath, often associated with heart failure. Sighing dyspnea is deep, frequent breaths and can indicate anxiety or respiratory distress.
What are acute and chronic dyspnea?
Acute dyspnea occurs suddenly, while chronic dyspnea lasts for weeks or months, often due to underlying health conditions like COPD.
Who can get dyspnea?
It can affect anyone but is more common in people with heart or lung diseases, older adults, or those with obesity.
How do heart and lung conditions cause shortness of breath?
Heart conditions like heart failure can cause fluid buildup in the lungs, while lung conditions can obstruct airflow, making it hard to breathe.
How do I know what’s causing my shortness of breath?
A healthcare provider will perform tests like chest X-rays, blood tests, and ECGs to diagnose the cause.
Can dyspnea be cured?
The cure depends on the underlying condition. In some cases, treatment can alleviate symptoms, while in others, dyspnea may be managed but not completely cured.
Is dyspnea life-threatening?
Yes, it can be life-threatening, especially if caused by severe conditions like heart attack, pulmonary embolism, or respiratory failure.
