CONDITION 04
Breathlessness
Feeling short of breath, and how the cause is worked out.
Emergency warning.
If you have severe breathlessness, chest pain that does not ease, blue lips, confusion or are coughing up a lot of blood, call
108
or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Overview
Breathlessness is the feeling of not getting enough air. It can be normal after hard exercise, but breathlessness that is new, getting worse or limiting what you can do should be assessed. It can arise from the lungs, the heart or other causes.
Symptoms
- Getting short of breath more easily than before
- Breathlessness when lying flat or at night
- Needing to stop and rest during everyday tasks
- Breathlessness with wheeze, cough or chest tightness
Assessment
- A discussion of when the breathlessness happens and what helps
- Examination of the heart and lungs
- Breathing tests, oxygen measurement and imaging where appropriate
- Blood tests or heart tests if needed
Treatment Options
- Treatment depends on the underlying cause
- Breathing techniques and pacing activities
- Medicines and, where relevant, rehabilitation as advised by your doctor
When to Seek Care
- Breathlessness that is new, sudden or getting worse
- Breathlessness at rest or waking you at night
- Breathlessness with chest pain, swelling of the legs or fainting
This page is for general education and does not replace advice from your own doctor. See the disclaimer .
Concerned about breathlessness?
Request a visit and bring your questions. This form is not for emergencies.