Shortness of Breath :
Shortness of breath, also called as dyspnea, refers to a sensation of not getting sufficient air to the lungs. The presenting complains of shortness of breath include feeling like the person needs to force themselves to breathe deeply, chest tightness, working hard to get a deep breath, increased heart rate or rapid breathing and wheezing or stridor. The risk factors of shortness of breath are anemia, history of smoking, respiratory infections, anxiety complains and heart, lung or breathing problems, and having a body mass index over 30. The factors causing shortness of breath include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, allergies, tuberculosis, heart failure, sleep apnea, arrhythmia, pneumonia, pneumothorax and lung cancer. Shortness of breath is evaluated by running labs like blood tests, lung function tests, chest X- ray, CT scans and cardiopulmonary exercise testing. The treatment plan to manage shortness of breath involves taking medications like bronchodilators, exercising regularly, breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, and oxygen therapy.












