Symptoms - Shortness of Breath

This is a common symptom and is often caused by underlying heart or lung disease. Although it may just be a symptom of anxiety or lack of fitness, the development of shortness of breath is important and should always be investigated to ensure an accurate diagnosis is made and appropriate treatment given. Acute shortness of breath is a medical emergency and should prompt immediate medical attention.

Common Causes

To arrive at the correct diagnosis your doctor will take a detailed history, concentrating of the times you get breathless, and whether there are other related symptoms like chest pain, palpitations, ankle swelling or cough. A past history of heart or lung disease is important, as is any smoking history. In addition to the history and clinical examination, a number of common tests may be ordered to help make the correct diagnosis. These may include simple blood tests, an ECG (heart tracing), Chest X-ray and possibly an Exercise ECG or ultrasound scan of your heart (an Echocardiogram). The common causes of shortness of breath are given below:

Heart Problems

1. Heart Failure caused by weak heart muscle or heart valve problems
2. Abnormally fast or slow heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
3. Heart Attack (usually but not always accompanied by chest pain)
4. Pericardial Effusion (Fluid around the heart)

Lung Problems

1. Chronic Lung Disease
2. Chest infection
3. Asthma
4. Collapsed lung (pneumothorax)
5. Lung Fibrosis
6. Lung Cancer
7. Pulmonary Embolus (Blood Clot)

Other causes

1. Overweight
2. Stress or anxiety
3. Anaemia
4. Neurological and Muscle Disorders

Please see also the diagnosis and investigation sections.