Concerning Shortness of Breath

Respiration is a life-sustaining function. Every breath gives your body the oxygen needed to support life processes and rid itself of carbon dioxide. Without even thinking about it, the average person breathes in and out around 22,000 times per day.
When you’re short of breath
Yet, calm and easy breathing is not something you can take for granted. Although feeling a bit short of breath after a vigorous workout, a steep hike, or cold temperatures, is common and considered normal, experiencing sudden shortness of breath under other, less physically taxing circumstances may indicate other, more serious health issues.
Shortness of breath, also known as dyspnea, is the feeling of not being able to get enough air. With dyspnea, you may feel tightness in the chest, breathlessness, or even feel like you’re suffocating.

The importance of timely care

At the office of North Jersey Pulmonary Associates, your respiratory health and function is our business. We’ll determine why you’re feeling short of breath and provide the guidance and care needed to help you breathe easier.

The main thing to remember is that sudden shortness of breath often reflects a serious issue requiring prompt emergency care. However, even mild and periodic shortness of breath, especially if it’s associated with dizziness, fainting, nighttime breathing difficulty, chest discomfort, coughing up blood, and fluid retention in the limbs, requires a timely assessment and care.

Dyspnea may be associated with several serious medical conditions including, but not limited to, the following ones:

Asthma
COPD
Heart disease and dysfunction including a heart attack, heart failure, arrhythmias, and cardiomyopathy
Pulmonary hypertension
Pulmonary fibrosis
Upper airway obstruction
Pneumonia
Blot clots in the lungs (pulmonary emboli)
Collapsed lung
Sudden blood loss
Obesity

With all the above medical conditions and more potentially responsible for symptoms of dyspnea, it’s essential to see skilled, experienced pulmonologists for a thorough diagnostic workup and care.

At the office of North Jersey Pulmonary Associates, your respiratory health and function is our business. We’ll determine why you’re feeling short of breath and provide the guidance and care needed to protect your health and breathe easier.