When Is Breathlessness an Emergency?

When Is Breathlessness an Emergency?

It’s normal to be short of breath for a few minutes after exercising. But it’s not normal when you are resting or doing something that other people your age can do easily. This can be a sign of many different health problems, including a heart attack, asthma, and pneumonia.

Heart Attack
Brenda, a 50-year-old lawyer, was hurrying for the train when she felt a tightness in her chest. She also had trouble catching her breath and felt nauseated.

Besides breathlessness, heart attacks also may cause:

  • chest pain or tightness
  • pain in the jaw, left arm, or left shoulder
  • nausea.

Early treatment can better prevent further heart damage. So, if you or someone you know has these symptoms, get to the hospital emergency room right away.

Asthma
Eight-year-old Marcus was playing soccer when he started to have trouble breathing. He began wheezing and knew right away that his asthma was acting up.

Being short of breath can be a sign of an asthma attack. Asthma also can cause coughing, wheezing, and a tight feeling in the chest.

Your doctor can suggest medicine to take during asthma attacks. Call your doctor or go to the hospital if the symptoms don’t get better 15 minutes after taking the medicine.

Pneumonia
Tony, a 75-year-old retiree, isn’t feeling like himself today. He’s got a fever, a wet cough, and a painful feeling in his chest. Plus, he’s short of breath.

Pneumonia can be caused by several kinds of bacteria or viruses. It is more common in older people and those with chronic illnesses. See your doctor right away if you have signs of pneumonia, such as breathlessness and coughing.

When Is It an Emergency?
Most people with breathlessness can be treated at their doctor’s office. But trust your gut. If you think the breathing problem could be life threatening, go to the hospital emergency room right away.

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