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What is Dyspnoea?

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Dyspnoea may also be less fancifully termed as shortness of breath. In the medical sense, it tends to refer to shortness of breath deriving from a medical condition and not caused by excessive exertion. Numerous conditions list dyspnoea as a possible symptom.

Some causes of dyspnoea are directly tied to the respiratory tract. For example those suffering from asthma, bronchitis or pneumonia may exhibit severe shortness of breath, suggesting the need for respiratory support. As well, viral illnesses like RSV and croup can also result in difficulty breathing, as a child struggles between violent coughing fits.

Dyspnoea stems from a medical condition, such as asthma.
Dyspnoea stems from a medical condition, such as asthma.

Emphysema, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may all cause the breath to shorten and become strident. Usually dyspnoea is accompanied by a more musculature struggle to breathe, as well. One will notice the chest heaving up and down as the person struggles for breath. Obstruction or paralysis in the vocal cord region may be indicated by this condition.

Breathing into a bag can often relieve dyspnoea caused by a panic attack.
Breathing into a bag can often relieve dyspnoea caused by a panic attack.

Cardiac conditions, as well, can result in dyspnoea. Congestive heart failure can result in shortness of breath. In some cases, excessive shortness of breath may indicate impending heart attack, especially when accompanied by chest pain. Children born with congenital heart defects may quickly develop dyspnoea as a result of poor oxygen quality. Shortness of breath in a newborn should always be investigated thoroughly.

Croup may result in difficulty breathing.
Croup may result in difficulty breathing.

Pleurisy, which is swelling of the tissues surrounding the lungs and lining the rib cages, may result in severe dyspnoea, resulting in both difficulty breathing and pain when taking breath in. Usually shortness of breath is disproportionate to activity. For example, a walk up the stairs might feel like a two-mile run up a hill.

Those with severe skeletal malformations of primarily the spine or rib cage may also encounter breathing difficulties. As well, injury or paralysis of the spine or rib cage can result in chronic labored breathing.

Individuals suffering from pneumonia may experience a severe shortness of breath.
Individuals suffering from pneumonia may experience a severe shortness of breath.

Dyspnoea may also frequently be noticed in a person undergoing a panic attack. Those who are experiencing their first panic attack often mistake the struggle for breath as a far more serious medical symptom such as a heart attack. Usually, it can be resolved by breathing into a paper bag.

Since dyspnoea can indicate serious medical conditions, it is important for anyone suffering it to see a medical professional as soon as possible, especially when shortness of breath does not quickly resolve. Especially since prolonged shortness of breath can suggest severe heart or lung disorders, one should seek emergency treatment for those experiencing breathing problems.

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent WiseGEEK contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

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Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent WiseGEEK contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

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Discussion Comments

anon992047

I have been told I have COPD. I have had a ct scan and there is a lump on my lung. I am now awaiting the results of a second ct scan. What could this lump be?

anon243125

My cousin was rushed into hospital after many visits to the docs and being turned away. After a week an a half of lung, liver and heart failure, the doctors an surgeons still had no idea what was causing this. Unfortunately last night he died at the young age of 32! Has anyone heard of this before? What has happened?

anon69989

My mother is 48 years old and suffering from exertional dyspnea for about seven or eight months and currently taking regular medication. But still she cannot walk long distance and she easily get tired of even of small works.

she was told that her right heart is enlarged and pressure in her right lung has increased. Even though doctors tried to figure out what exactly has caused her condition, nothing unusual was found in her test reports.

All i want to know is whether this condition could be cured completely and what further treatments should be done for her.

rose77sister

Is Dyspnoea something that must occur in patients with ventricular tachycardia and is it fatal?

calder

I am a 68 year old male that finally got into shape at age 40. I have done several marathons and at age 60 I completed my first Ironman race. I have completed 3, so far.

Last year I noticed that I was having trouble breathing while running. This summer I was diagnosed with failure of my right phrenic nerve. I only had 50% use of the nerve, so my right diaphragm would not let my right lung fully expand. A sniff test confirmed this.

After another sniff test, just last week I was diagnosed with total failure of my right diaphragm. I am looking for any way to rehab the nerve or strengthen the muscles of my chest, so that I can run again.

spasiba

A particularly serious situation occurs if dyspnoea happens suddenly. The most likely reason would be failure of the heart.

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    • Dyspnoea stems from a medical condition, such as asthma.
      By: auremar
      Dyspnoea stems from a medical condition, such as asthma.
    • Breathing into a bag can often relieve dyspnoea caused by a panic attack.
      By: InfinityPhoto
      Breathing into a bag can often relieve dyspnoea caused by a panic attack.
    • Croup may result in difficulty breathing.
      By: Zsolt Biczó
      Croup may result in difficulty breathing.
    • Individuals suffering from pneumonia may experience a severe shortness of breath.
      By: vbaleha
      Individuals suffering from pneumonia may experience a severe shortness of breath.
    • Shortness of breath and chest pain are two possible signs of dyspnoea.
      By: unitypix
      Shortness of breath and chest pain are two possible signs of dyspnoea.