Dyspnea (Shortness of Breath) Treatment in Delhi, India

The main symptoms of dyspnea are laboured breathing and breathlessness. It usually lasts for 1 or 2 minutes after intense physical activity. In mild cases, it may cause uneasiness from a lack of oxygen, and in severe cases, it can make one feel suffocated. The other symptoms associated with dyspnea include:

• Blue lips or dizziness due to breathlessness
• Chest pain, sweating, or nausea
• High fever
• Laboured breathing and difficulty in breathing when doing physical activity
• Heart palpitations

Sometimes, dyspnea can be a sign of a serious medical condition. Consult the doctor in case of:

• Inability to carry out daily tasks due to dyspnea
• Severe breathlessness and uneasiness
• Shortness of breath continues even after 30 minutes
• Loss of consciousness and chest pain
• Nausea

Not all cases of dyspnea require urgent medical treatment, but frequent shortness of breath can cause serious medical problems.

Several different medical conditions cause shortness of breath. The most common are lung and heart conditions; other conditions like low blood pressure, pneumonia, stress, or anxiety can also cause dyspnea.

Feeling breathless can be acute, lasting for a few hours to days, or chronic, lasting from a few days to months. The following are the conditions that may cause acute dyspnea:

• Allergies: Allergic reactions are one of the major reasons for breathlessness. 
• Anxiety: Anxiety often causes hyperventilation, leading to rapid and heavy breathing.
• Injury: A broken rib or rib cage injury can make breathing difficult and painful. Excessive bleeding can lower the number of red blood cells in the blood, causing less oxygen-carrying through blood.
• Choking: One may experience sudden shortness of breath if a piece of food blocks the airways.
• Medication: A few heavy medicines may lead to a tight feeling in the chest and may cause shortness of breath.
• Extreme temperatures: Extremely hot or cold temperatures can cause shortness of breath and uneasiness.
• Infection: Infections like pneumonia, inhalation injury, and bronchitis produce mucus, and cause airflow blockage to the lungs. 
• Heart attack: A heart attack can cause a blockage that stops the blood flow to the heart, causing temporary breathlessness.
• Exercise and strenuous activity: This usually triggers short-term breathlessness. After a heavy workout, it can get difficult to get enough oxygen in the lungs to meet the body's demands.

The following are the conditions that may cause chronic dyspnea:

• Chronic bronchitis and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
• Lung cancer
• Obesity
• Pulmonary hypertension
• Heart disease
• Pleural effusion (fluid formation in the chest)
• Pulmonary embolism

At times, asthma can be a chronic condition, but sometimes it can be a short-term emergency. It depends on the availability of an inhaler during sudden asthma attacks.

Dyspnea is a symptom of various health conditions. The doctor will determine the cause of shortness of breath by conducting a range of tests like:

• Medical history: The doctor can question personal and family medical history, current health and symptoms, prior medical conditions and surgeries, medications, and the working environment.

• Physical exam: During a physical exam, the doctor will check the pulse, body temperature, body mass index, and breathing rate. A high temperature may indicate fever, while an abnormal pulse may suggest an underlying heart condition.

• Oximeter: An oximeter is a finger sensor that measures the amount of oxygen in the blood. The doctor may use an oximeter to check the oxygen level in the blood. 

• Imaging tests: Imaging tests like x-rays and CT scans are used to examine the cause of breathlessness and diagnose a chronic condition.

• Blood test: Blood tests are useful for examining and detecting infections, anaemia, and other health conditions.

Treatment for dyspnea includes identifying and examining the existing conditions that cause breathlessness. Depending on the underlying condition that may have caused dyspnea, the doctor may suggest:

• Exercise and diet

Exercise can help improve physical fitness and strengthen the heart and lungs. Practising breathing techniques can also prove helpful in opening the airway for air. 

Breathing exercises can strengthen the lungs' function. Obesity causes dyspnea. Eat a balanced and healthy diet to maintain body weight.

• Medication

Medication can relieve the pain and anxiety that cause breathlessness. Inhaling drugs like bronchodilators can help to relax the airways in conditions like asthma. Antibiotics, anti-anxiety drugs, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be highly effective.

• Oxygen therapy

Oxygen therapy is the process of giving oxygen through a tube or mask into the nostril to help one breathe more easily and comfortably. This method is used by healthcare professionals only when the patient's blood oxygen level is extremely low.

Shortness of breath can be linked to several health problems. Anyone can feel breathless, but it's more common in people with:

• Anaemia
• Heart and lung problems
• Asthma
• Anxiety
• History of smoking and drinking
• Infections and severe obesity
• Immune deficiency

Preventing dyspnea is possible by avoiding and managing its causes. One can prevent shortness of breath by taking precautionary steps like:

• Breathing techniques:  Practising breathing and relaxation techniques can improve breathing patterns.
• Stop smoking: Stop smoking and drinking by taking effective products and therapies this can help to quit.
• Avoid air pollution: Avoid inhaling chemical fumes, car exhaust, and wood smoke, by using a mask to filter out the irritants that can irritate the lungs.
• Maintain moderate weight: Exercise daily and maintain a healthy weight.

Dyspnea can lead to low blood oxygen levels. This can sometimes result in unconsciousness.

If breathlessness continues and becomes severe, there is a higher risk of temporary or permanent cognitive impairment.

Furthermore, it can also worsen existing medical problems.

Dyspnea (shortness of breath) is a symptom, not a medical condition. It can be managed by avoiding its causes. Acute health problems such as pneumonia and non-severe asthma can be successfully treated and improved, greatly eliminating breathing problems.

Chronic diseases such as heart failure, lung disease, and severe asthma are lifelong, so their improvement may be limited. However, proper precautions and timely treatment help people live longer with a good quality of life.

The essential factor is to follow the doctor's advice and treatment, get regular checkups and change the lifestyle in a way that can help to breathe easily without any problems.

Reviewed by Dr. Vivek Nangia, Principal Director & Head, Pulmonology on 06-Dec-2022.

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