On a pathophysiological basis the causes can be divided into: (1) an increased awareness of normal breathing such as during an anxiety attack, (2) an increase in the work of breathing and (3) an abnormality in the ventilatory or respiratory system. The most common cardiovascular causes are acute myocardial infarction and congestive heart failure while common pulmonary causes include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, pneumothorax, pulmonary edema and pneumonia. DiagnosisPro, an online medical expert system, listed 497 distinct causes in October 2010. While shortness of breath is generally caused by disorders of the cardiac or respiratory system, others such as the neurological, musculoskeletal, endocrine, hematologic, and psychiatric systems may be the cause. Differential diagnosis įurther information: List of causes of shortness of breath The American Thoracic Society defines dyspnea as: 'A subjective experience of breathing discomfort that consists of qualitatively distinct sensations that vary in intensity.' Other definitions also describe it as 'difficulty in breathing', 'disordered or inadequate breathing', 'uncomfortable awareness of breathing', and as the experience of 'breathlessness' (which may be either acute or chronic). 2.4 Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseaseĭyspnea, in medical terms, is 'shortness of breath'.The best treatment to relieve or even remove shortness of breath typically depends on the underlying cause. In 85% of cases it is due to asthma, pneumonia, cardiac ischemia, interstitial lung disease, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or psychogenic causes, such as panic disorder and anxiety. The tripod position is often assumed to be a sign.ĭyspnea is a normal symptom of heavy physical exertion but becomes pathological if it occurs in unexpected situations, when resting or during light exertion. Distinct sensations include effort/work to breathe, chest tightness or pain, and 'air hunger' (the feeling of not enough oxygen). The American Thoracic Society defines it as 'a subjective experience of breathing discomfort that consists of qualitatively distinct sensations that vary in intensity', and recommends evaluating dyspnea by assessing the intensity of its distinct sensations, the degree of distress and discomfort involved, and its burden or impact on the patient's activities of daily living. Shortness of breath ( SOB), also medically known as dyspnea ( AmE) or dyspnoea ( BrE), is an uncomfortable feeling of not being able to breathe well enough. Dyspnea: /dɪspˈniːə/ see also § Etymology and pronunciation.

Another word for running out of breath