Dyspnoea - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatments

Do you feel tightness in your chest? It indicates you suffer from dyspnoea. A severe medical condition that can occur due to excessive intense workouts or physical activities. One may feel uncomfortable to breathe in air or feel puffed or winded. In such circumstances, immediate medical attention is required to restrict the acute condition from becoming chronic.

Shortness of breath in medical terms is called dyspnoea. A condition where the body demands more oxygen than it gets. To get more oxygen, an individual breathes faster to increase the flow of air into the lungs and, in its lack, feels congested and pain in the chest.

The best example of this breathing problem can be seen at high altitudes, after breath-holding, climbing stairs or running to catch a bus.

The various types of dyspnoea are underlying –

• Orthopnea – A sensation caused when you lie down.
• Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (PND) – Individuals wake up after 1 to 2 hours due to a sensation of shortness of breath
• Trepopnea – It occurs when someone lies in a lateral decubitus position.
• Platypnea – Sensation that occurs in an upright position.

Symptoms of dyspnoea include –

• Difficulty breathing
• Tightness in chest
• Heart palpitations
• Wheezing
• Coughing
• Rapid, shallow breathing

Causes of dyspnoea can vary from person to person. Like one reason can be due to temperature changes. Apart from that, acute causes and risk factors include –

• Anxiety or panic attacks
• Pneumonia
• Something that chokes the windpipe
• Allergic reactions
• Anaemia
• Exposure to harmful gases
• Heart failure
• Hypotension or low blood pressure
• A blood clot in an artery to the lung
• Collapsed lung
• Hiatal hernia
• Environmental pollutants
• Diabetic ketoacidosis

Chronic causes of shortness of breath due to some illnesses include –

• Asthma
• COPD
• Heart problems
• Obesity
• Interstitial pulmonary fibrosis
• Lung cancer and tumours

Doctors examine shortness of breath through various tests that include –

Physical Exam

A doctor takes down the temperature and listens to your chest. A fever may indicate infection.

Pulse Oximetry

Physicians use this device to check oxygen count in one’s blood.

Imaging Tests

Doctors prescribe X-rays, CT scans and other imaging tests if one has no history of chronic conditions.

Blood Tests

Blood samples are collected to check for infections, anaemia or other conditions.

Lung Function Tests

Doctors check for breathing inconsistency if any.

Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (Treadmill Test)

Physicians examine the volume of oxygen intake and carbon dioxide released during exercises on treadmills or stationary bikes.

When we talk about the options on dyspnoea treatment it is limited. They include –

Diet and Exercise

In acute breathlessness, the nutritionists prepare a diet chart for you to follow daily. This chart is prepared after observing patients' body weight and other medical conditions.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation

A patient with symptoms of dyspnoea caused by COPD or lung diseases may require supplemental oxygen taken care of by a pulmonologist.

Cardiac Rehabilitation

Doctors prescribe cardiac rehabilitation in heart failure or other heart-related conditions. In exceptional cases, an artificial pump is required to assist heart function.

Drugs that can be prescribed to treat breathing difficulties, like –

• Anti-anxiety medications
• Beta-adrenergic receptor agonists (beta-agonists)
• Decongestants
• Antibiotics
• Corticosteroids
• Bronchodilators
• Anticoagulants
• Beclomethasone 
• Diuretics
• Anticholinergic agents

People who have a habit of smoking easily succumb to acute to chronic breathing conditions. Implement some home remedies and personal resolutions to improve the quality of life. Some of the changes include –

• Stick to the treatment plans prescribed by the physicians.
• Try to avoid working in unhealthy and polluted air.
• Keep a check on your weight and adopt healthy eating habits.
• Do not overexert during intense physical activities.
• Quit smoking.
• Take time to adjust to higher altitudes before indulging in any activities.
• Practice breathing and relaxation techniques.
• Keep a check on the functionality of the equipment you carry.

Dyspnoea is a serious medical condition that can affect anyone at any time. Older people with various medical conditions and unhealthy habits are at a higher risk, while pregnant women and infants can also experience this subjective sensation.

If diagnosed with these symptoms of dyspnoea, immediate treatment should be taken. A comprehensive treatment plan should be developed with the cooperation of health workers. It should be followed strictly to restrict further complications and lead a healthy lifestyle.