Dyspnea is the medical term for shortness of breath. Episodes of breathlessness are common even among healthy people, such as when exercising or climbing high altitudes. However, frequent or sudden breathlessness might be an indication of an underlying health problem. Individuals who encounter labored breathing, especially when accompanied with chest pain, fainting, or bloody sputum, and recurs for more than a month should have a health check.
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Dyspnea is caused by an obstruction of the passageways of oxygen to the lungs, heart or blood vessels. The culprit could be asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, anemia, lung cancer, anxiety, heart failure, emphysema, hypertension and myriads more. To correctly diagnose the real problem, patients are asked to undergo a complete physical examination including chest X-rays and electrocardiogram (ECG). Determining the cause of breathlessness enables physicians to diagnose a course of treatment correctly.
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For respiratory-related dyspnea, preventive measures can be taken to avoid triggers. Stay away from environments with dense air pollutants such as fumes, dust, and smoke. Quitting cigarettes and losing weight can also enhance the health of lungs and the heart, and reduce toxins that aggravate the causes of dyspnea.
Lisa Marie Cannon, M.D., is a pulmonary and critical care specialist with over 15 years of experience. She received her pulmonary fellowship at Mount Sinai Hospital and now has her own medical practice in New Jersey. For more news on respiratory health, follow this blog.
Dr. Lisa Marie Cannon 
