Shortness of breath

Take breathlessness seriously

Feeling short of breath is common and often has a harmless cause, such as being unfit, anxious or having a cold. But because it can sometimes signal a serious heart or lung problem, it is one symptom where it is always worth being cautious. Sudden or severe breathlessness is a medical emergency — call 999.

What breathlessness can mean

• Being unfit or overweight can leave you feeling puffed during exertion.
• Anxiety or a panic attack can cause rapid, shallow breathing and a sense of not getting enough air.
• Chest infections, asthma or COPD cause breathlessness alongside a cough or wheeze.
• Heart problems or anaemia can cause breathlessness that is new, worsening, or comes with tiredness or ankle swelling.

When shortness of breath is an emergency

Call 999 straight away if breathlessness comes on suddenly and severely, you cannot catch your breath even at rest, it comes with chest pain spreading to the arm, neck or jaw, or your lips or face look blue. These can be signs of a heart attack, a blood clot on the lung, or a severe asthma attack.

When to see a GP about breathlessness

If breathlessness is not an emergency but is ongoing, comes on with everyday activities you used to manage comfortably, or is gradually getting worse, make an appointment with a GP. They can examine you, run tests and find the cause — many of which are very treatable once identified.

Common questions about shortness of breath

When is shortness of breath an emergency?

Call 999 if breathlessness comes on suddenly and is severe, if you cannot catch your breath at rest, if it comes with chest pain, or if your lips or face turn blue. These can indicate a heart attack, a blood clot on the lung, or a severe asthma attack — all of which need emergency care.

What causes shortness of breath?

Common causes include being unfit or overweight, anxiety, and chest infections. It can also be caused by asthma, COPD, heart conditions, or anaemia. Because the causes range from minor to serious, new or worsening breathlessness should be assessed.

Can anxiety cause breathlessness?

Yes, anxiety and panic attacks can cause fast, shallow breathing and a feeling of not getting enough air. This is real and distressing, but not dangerous in itself. If you are unsure whether breathlessness is from anxiety or another cause, seek medical advice.

Should I worry about feeling breathless when exercising?

Feeling out of breath during hard exercise is normal. Be concerned if you become breathless doing things you used to manage easily, if it is getting worse over time, or if it comes on suddenly — these should be checked by a GP.

Sources

• NHS — Shortness of breath