Shortness of breath is the feeling that breathing is more difficult or that you are not getting enough air. Some people feel unable to inhale deeply enough, while others become out of breath faster than normal or describe a feeling of pressure or tightness in the chest.

The medical term for shortness of breath is dyspnea. Everyone is short of breath sometimes, for example after intensive exercise, climbing stairs, or heavy physical exertion. This is not immediately something to worry about and disappears on its own after a short period of rest.

What does shortness of breath feel like?

Not everyone experiences shortness of breath the same way. Possible symptoms are:

Feeling like you are not getting enough air.
Having difficulty inhaling or exhaling.
Breathing faster or more shallowly.
Gasping for air.
Being unable to take a deep enough breath.
A feeling of pressure or tightness in the chest.
Becoming out of breath faster than normal.

Some people are only short of breath during exertion. Others also suffer from it at rest, when lying flat, or during the night.

Sometimes shortness of breath occurs together with other symptoms, such as coughing, a wheezing breath, coughing up mucus, chest pain, palpitations, dizziness, or fatigue.

Possible causes of shortness of breath

There are many different causes of shortness of breath. The cause is not always in the lungs. Disorders of the heart, problems with circulation, reduced fitness, or tension can also cause shortness of breath.

Possible causes are:

Asthma: the airways are inflamed and extra sensitive. As a result they temporarily narrow. During an asthma attack, shortness of breath suddenly increases sharply. Coughing or a wheezing breath also often occurs.
COPD: a chronic lung disease in which the airways are permanently narrowed. Shortness of breath usually first occurs during exertion. Coughing, mucus, and a wheezing breath are also common.
Respiratory infection: a cold, flu, bronchitis, or pneumonia also come with shortness of breath. In many cases there are also symptoms such as coughing, fever, mucus, or feeling ill.
Heart problems: when the heart pumps blood around less effectively, shortness of breath occurs that sometimes worsens during exertion or when lying flat.
Pulmonary embolism: a blood clot blocks a blood vessel in the lungs. This brings sudden shortness of breath and chest pain.
Anemia: the blood can carry less oxygen. This regularly causes fatigue, palpitations, and shortness of breath during exertion.
Allergic reaction: Some severe allergic reactions cause swelling of the airways and lead to sudden shortness of breath.
Anxiety, stress, or hyperventilation: tension causes someone to breathe faster or deeper with an incorrect breathing technique. The muscles around the chest and the airways are also more tense then. This gives a strong feeling of a lack of air, dizziness, and tingling as a result of hyperventilation.
Poor fitness or overweight: the body has to work harder during movement, causing someone to become out of breath more quickly. In addition, with overweight more weight presses on the chest, especially when lying down.

Sometimes several causes play a role at the same time.

Shortness of breath and cough

Shortness of breath and coughing often occur together. Coughing is a natural reaction by which the body tries to remove mucus, dust, and other irritants from the airways.

The combination of shortness of breath and coughing occurs, among other things, with asthma , COPD, a cold, bronchitis , a pneumonia , or an allergic reaction.

Contact your family doctor if symptoms last a long time, worsen, or occur together with fever, chest pain, coughing up blood, or unexplained weight loss.

Wheezing (whistling breath)

A wheezing breath is also called wheezing. During breathing a high, whistling, or wheezing sound is heard. The sound usually arises because air flows through narrowed airways. The wheeze is usually most noticeable during exhalation.

A wheezing breath occurs regularly with asthma and COPD, but can also result from a respiratory infection, an allergic reaction, or another narrowing of the airways. Sometimes wheezing occurs together with coughing, chest pressure, or shortness of breath.

A wheezing breath does not always mean there is a serious condition. Do contact your family doctor when the wheeze is new, returns regularly, does not go away, or occurs together with shortness of breath.

Does wheezing arise suddenly and is someone severely short of breath? Then seek medical help immediately.

Shortness of breath during exertion

It is normal to breathe faster and deeper during sports or heavy physical exertion. The muscles then need more oxygen. Breathing naturally slows down again when you stop moving.

Is the shortness of breath worse than normal? Or does shortness of breath occur already during light activities, such as easy walking, getting dressed, or climbing stairs? Then it is wise to contact your family doctor.

What can you do yourself?

With mild shortness of breath it helps to stop the activity and sit upright calmly. Some people find it comfortable to lean slightly forward and rest the arms on the thighs or a table.

Try to keep breathing calmly. If needed, inhale gently through the nose and exhale slowly through lightly pursed lips. Ensure fresh air and avoid smoke, dust, and strong odors.

Do you have medication for asthma or COPD? Use it as prescribed.

Do symptoms persist, return regularly, or worsen? Then have them evaluated by a (family) doctor.

When to seek immediate medical help?

Call the emergency number when someone:

Is severely short of breath.
Is unable to speak or can barely speak because of shortness of breath.
Turns blue, purple, or strikingly pale.
Is drowsy, confused, or hard to awaken.
Suddenly becomes short of breath and has chest pain or pressure.
Faints.
May have a severe allergic reaction.
Deteriorates rapidly.

Do not wait to see whether severe symptoms will pass on their own.

Shortness of breath