Shortness of breath (dyspnea) is the sensation of not getting enough air. It can start suddenly or develop gradually; recognizing accompanying signs and seeking the right evaluation helps determine the possible causes.
People describe shortness of breath as tightness, difficulty drawing a full breath, or rapid, shallow breathing. It may occur suddenly and severely, during exertion, or slowly worsen over weeks. Noting when it happens—at rest, with activity, at night—or triggers such as exercise or allergens helps clinicians narrow the cause.
Many systems can cause breathlessness. Respiratory causes include asthma, COPD, pneumonia, bronchitis and pleural effusion. Cardiac causes include heart failure and ischemic heart disease. Other contributors are pulmonary embolism, severe infection, anemia, thyroid disease and anxiety or panic. Depending on suspected origin, evaluations are often led by Pulmonology, Cardiology, Primary Care, Infectious Diseases, Psychiatry or Emergency Medicine.
Seek immediate medical evaluation if breathlessness starts suddenly or rapidly worsens, is accompanied by chest pain, fainting, confusion, bluish lips or skin, or dangerously fast or slow breathing. These findings may indicate a life-threatening condition and warrant urgent assessment in an emergency setting.
Before an appointment, record onset and pattern of symptoms, activities that make it better or worse, related symptoms (cough, fever, palpitations, chest pain), medical history and current medications. Clinical assessment typically includes a physical exam and may include pulse oximetry, blood tests, chest X-ray, ECG, pulmonary function tests or advanced imaging based on findings.
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