When people experience shortness of breath, the cases are usually different because it will depend on the cause.
Cases of dyspnea are not always related to a person’s health. Someone can feel shortness of breath if they travel to a high altitude or go through drastic changes in temperature or it can also occur after brisk exercise.
Acute dyspnea is a potentially serious situation; That is why it is important to visit a pulmonologist for early diagnosis and assessment of significant results, in order to apply treatment if necessary.
The main symptom of dyspnea is shortness of breath. It may last a minute or two after a strenuous activity, or you may feel like you’re not getting enough air all the time.
Dyspnea is usually caused by lung or heart disease.
The most common causes are:
Asthma, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart attack, heart failure, sedentary lifestyle, weight gain, and even pregnancy.
Also severe renal insufficiency, diabetes mellitus, and metabolic acidosis.
If the brain, muscles, or other body organs do not get enough oxygen, you may experience a feeling of breathlessness. Breathing difficulty can also be due to problems with the lungs, airways, or other health problems.
People with asthma have breathlessness when they have an attack. Generally, these patients are advised to have an inhaler on hand to use during the attack.
We must take into account that environments contaminated by chemical products, vapors, smoke, etc. can make people with dyspnea have more difficulty breathing.
The treatment of dyspnea is directed at the cause, that is, it will depend on what its stimulus is. In patients with low blood oxygen levels it is necessary to administer supplemental oxygen by face mask. In the most complicated cases, mechanical ventilation systems administered through a tube inserted into the trachea, or through a mask fitted over the face, can be used.
To reduce anxiety and discomfort caused by dyspnea in patients with various serious disorders, morphine can be given intravenously.
If left untreated, dyspnea can lead to lung infections, acute pulmonary edema, heart failure, and pulmonary embolism.
