Shortness Of Breath
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TruDoc Medical LLC
Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine & Sleep Medicine located in Clifton, NJ & Denville, NJ
For the 37 million Americans with chronic lung disease, shortness of breath doesn’t only happen after heavy exercise. With asthma or other lung diseases, you could have shortness of breath, chest pain, and other intrusive symptoms anytime. TruDoc Medical LLC can help you find out why at its Clifton, New Jersey, office. Triple board-certified Bassel Noumi, MD, and the team of professionals can diagnose and treat all types of chronic lung disease, so call the office or use the online booking link now.
Shortness of Breath Q & A
What causes shortness of breath?
Shortness of breath occurs for many reasons, having benign or potentially life-threatening causes. But, in many cases, it happens with chronic lung diseases such as:
- Asthma
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Bronchitis
- Pneumonia
- Interstitial lung disease
- COVID-19 infection, including post-COVID or long-haul COVID
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Pulmonary embolism
- Lung cancer
Additionally, several heart problems commonly cause shortness of breath, including congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, and cardiac arrhythmia.
If you struggle with your weight, live an inactive lifestyle, have allergies, or have a chronic disease like diabetes, you may have a higher risk of breathing problems. If your shortness of breath occurs mainly or exclusively at night and it startles you awake, you could have sleep apnea.
Whether shortness of breath happens due to pulmonary or cardiovascular problems or some other cause, diagnosis and proper management are vital.
What symptoms accompany shortness of breath?
It’s quite common for shortness of breath to be just one of the symptoms of a chronic pulmonary or cardiovascular condition. Common additional issues include:
- Chest tightness
- Being easily fatigued
- Chronic cough
- Wheezing
If you have an infection, for example, bronchitis or pneumonia, you may also have symptoms like fever, chills, nausea, and fever.
How do you diagnose the cause of shortness of breath?
Diagnosis typically involves a comprehensive exam, medical history, and lung function testing. That type of testing can measure the amount of air you inhale and exhale as well as your blood oxygen levels and other important metrics that help the team find your diagnosis.
In some cases, you may need imaging tests like a chest X-ray or CT scan to find lung damage and verify the cause of your symptoms.
What is the best treatment for shortness of breath?
Shortness of breath treatment may involve a few different approaches, based upon your diagnosis, your overall health, and your individual needs. Your treatment plan may include:
- Medication (oral or inhaled)
- Breathing treatments
- Supplemental oxygen
- Losing extra weight
- Avoiding triggers, such as smoke
- Stopping smoking
The TruDoc Medical LLC team prescribes the best treatment for you and then monitors your progress over time. If you need any treatment adjustments or changes, they're always ready to help.
The TruDoc Medical LLC team understands how frustrating and uncomfortable shortness of breath can be. If you’re having this or any other pulmonary symptoms, reach out to the office by phone or through the online appointment scheduling tool now.