Shortness of breath, also known as dyspnea, is a medical term used to describe a subjective sensation or feeling of breathing difficulty. It is characterized by the perception of insufficient air or inadequate oxygen supply during inhalation or exhalation, accompanied by a sense of breathlessness or heaviness in the chest.
Shortness of breath can manifest in various ways, ranging from mild to severe, depending on the underlying cause. It can occur suddenly or gradually, and may be persistent or intermittent. Common causes of shortness of breath include physical exertion, anxiety, high altitude, lung diseases (such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD, or pneumonia), heart conditions (such as congestive heart failure or myocardial infarction), anemia, obesity, or certain medications.
This sensation of breathlessness is often associated with symptoms such as rapid or shallow breathing, wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, fatigue, and increased heart rate. In severe cases, it can lead to cyanosis, where the skin turns bluish due to inadequate oxygen supply.
The diagnosis of shortness of breath is typically based on medical history, physical examination, and specific tests such as pulmonary function tests or imaging studies. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may involve lifestyle modifications, medication, oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, or surgical interventions.
In summary, shortness of breath is a subjective perception of breathing difficulty, where a person feels a lack of air or oxygen during inhalation or exhalation. It can be caused by various factors and may require medical evaluation and treatment.
