Dyspnoea, also known as shortness of breath, is the sensation of not being able to breathe comfortably or fully. You may feel tightness in your chest, find yourself gasping, or notice that breathing takes more effort than usual. Many cases of dyspnoea are linked to underlying heart or lung problems.
Dyspnoea means difficulty in breathing or feeling short of breath. It feels like you are not getting enough air, your chest feels tight, or you need to put extra effort into every breath. This often happens due to problems with the lungs, heart, allergies, infections, or anxiety.
Dyspnoea is not the same as normal breathlessness. Normal breathlessness happens when you run, climb stairs, or do heavy work. In those moments, your body needs more oxygen, so you breathe faster — and it settles quickly once you rest.
Dyspnoea can occur even during light activity or rest and may be a sign of an underlying health problem.
|
Dyspnoea |
Normal Breathlessness |
|
Happens even during rest or light activity |
Happens after exercise or heavy work |
|
Feels like you cannot get enough air |
Breathing becomes fast but still manageable |
|
Chest may feel tight or heavy |
No chest tightness, just tiredness |
|
May be due to heart, lung, allergy, or anxiety issues |
Usually due to physical exertion |
|
Does not improve quickly without treatment |
Improves quickly after rest |
|
Can come again and again |
Happens only during physical activity |
Many health conditions can cause dyspnoea. Finding the exact cause helps in giving the right treatment.
Problems in the lungs can make it harder for the body to get oxygen.
When the heart cannot pump blood properly, fluid may collect in the lungs and cause breathlessness.
Everyday factors can also trigger breathlessness:
Stress and anxiety can change your breathing pattern.
People may breathe too fast during anxiety, which leads to a feeling of breathlessness.
If breathlessness happens suddenly or is severe — especially with chest pain, dizziness, or blue lips — it is a medical emergency.
To understand the exact cause, doctors may suggest a few tests:
Common Tests Used to Diagnose Dyspnoea
The treatment for dyspnoea depends on what is causing your breathing trouble. Your doctor will first understand the root problem and then guide you through the right steps. Here’s how dyspnoea is usually managed:
Your doctor may give you medicines based on the exact issue behind your breathlessness. Some common options include:
Each medicine is chosen carefully based on your condition, so never self-medicate.
If your oxygen level is low, your doctor may recommend extra oxygen. This can be provided in the hospital, and in some cases, you may continue it at home with proper guidance.
Along with medicines, small changes in your everyday habits can make breathing much easier:
These steps support your lungs and help prevent future breathing problems.
You may also be advised to join a rehabilitation programme. This includes:
These sessions help you build lung strength slowly and safely.
If your breathlessness becomes sudden or very severe — such as during an asthma attack, heart issue, or blood clot — you should seek emergency care right away. Quick treatment can save your life.
CK Birla Hospitals Jaipur provides complete care for people facing breathing problems. Here’s why many patients trust the hospital:
Seek immediate help if you have sudden severe breathlessness, chest pain, bluish lips, dizziness, or fainting.
No, dyspnoea can also be caused by conditions like anaemia, anxiety, infections, or allergies.
Yes, low haemoglobin reduces oxygen in the body, which can make you feel breathless.
Yes, extra body weight can put pressure on the lungs and make breathing harder.
Normal breathlessness improves quickly with rest; persistent or unexplained breathlessness should be checked by a doctor.
Yes, simple exercises like pursed-lip breathing and diaphragmatic breathing can help ease breathing difficulty.
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