Often Shortness of Breath? This Could Be the Cause

Often Shortness of Breath? This Could Be the Cause

Breathing is essential to human survival. But what happens if we have trouble breathing or shortness of breath? Obviously it can degrade the quality of our lives.

Shortness of breath alone is a condition when you have trouble breathing or not getting enough air intake. There are several causes that allow you to have shortness of breath. Want to know what causes it?

The Causes of Shortness of breath

A person experiencing shortness of breath can be due to obesity, exercise too heavy, are in places with extreme temperatures, or are in areas with a certain height. However, if shortness of breath is caused by health problems, then the conditions that can cause it are:

Cold

Allergy

Asthma.

Anemia

Pregnancy.

Sinusitis

Tuberculosis

Low blood pressure.

Broken ribs.

Carbon monoxide poisoning.

Pneumonia (wet lungs).

Lung cancer.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Heart disorders such as heart failure, heart attack, or cardiac arrhythmias.

From the conditions mentioned above, common causes that often trigger the condition of shortness of breath is asthma, diseases associated with the lungs and heart. Shortness of breath caused by these conditions usually lasts in the long term or also called chronic terms.

Shortness of breath is also often experienced by people with heartburn. Under certain conditions, shortness of breath should be aware because it can be a symptom of a heart attack. Similarly, shortness of breath in children, should not be underestimated, because it could be a complaint is a sign of serious illness.

To find out the cause of shortness of breath you feel, you should see a doctor to get further examination. Usually, your doctor will ask for your medical history and family.

Physical examination and various tests will also be performed, such as blood tests, X-rays, and spirometry breathing tests. Blood tests are used to assess general health. While the X-ray, or if necessary CT-scan, performed to determine the picture of the condition of the lungs, heart, and bones. In the breathing test spirometry will be known how much air you can shed and how quickly you exhale it.

An allergy test may also help the doctor know the cause of shortness of breath. As mentioned above, the most common cause of breathlessness is asthma, but the greatest trigger for asthma is allergy.

Knowing the exact cause of why you are short of breath is very important, because the results will be used as a benchmark for effective handling of breathlessness.

How to Handle It?

Handling shortness of breath is not always the same, depending on the cause. Therefore, a proper diagnosis of the cause of shortness of breath is required. The following treatment of shortness of breath based on the cause:

If you have shortness of breath due to asthma or allergies, then all you have to do is avoid the triggering elements, such as dust, cigarette smoke, air pollution, pet dander, or pollen. Keep always clean house to be free from dust, lice, or mites.

Taking medicines, such as decongestants and antihistamines, can also be done to deal with shortness of breath caused by allergies. Both of these drugs can facilitate the process of breathing air. If your allergy is severe, you may be given an inhaled corticosteroid medication. This inhaled drug can also be given to people with sinusitis.

Patients with asthma can also be treated with drugs that are inhaled or drunk. The goal helps to alleviate or prevent disruption of the airway and the production of excessive mucus. If you use inhaled medication, always make sure the supply is adequate and the device works properly, if at any time needed in the event of an asthma attack.

Quitting smoking can smooth your breathing. In addition, by quitting smoking, you can reduce the risk of serious illnesses, such as heart disease, lung disease, and cancer.

Going on a diet can be done if you experience shortness of breath due to obesity. By losing weight to a healthy level, breathing can be more relieved.

To avoid shortness of breath when in high altitudes, avoid heavy activity while in altitudes of more than 1500 meters.