What Causes Shortness of Breath? Home Remedies for Relief

Shortness of breath, medically known as dyspnoea, is a common symptom with a wide range of underlying causes — from heart and lung conditions to anxiety and physical exertion.

Understanding the causes, recognising the symptoms, and knowing when to seek help is essential for effective management. This article explores what shortness of breath is, its common causes, symptoms, and both medical and home-based remedies for relief.

What is Shortness of Breath?

Shortness of breath is the terrifying and uncomfortable feeling of not being able to get enough air into your lungs. It can manifest as chest tightness, gasping for air, or working harder to breathe, and is often a symptom of underlying heart or lung problems. Recognising the signs and symptoms of shortness of breath is essential for seeking appropriate medical attention and treatment.

Common Symptoms of Shortness of Breath

Shortness of breath can present with several distinct symptoms, each indicating different potential causes. Let’s take a closer look at these symptoms:

1. Laboured Breathing

• Difficulty breathing when resting or performing daily tasks
• Feeling like you need to work harder to breathe
• May be accompanied by feelings of anxiety and fatigue

2. Rapid Breathing (Tachypnea)

• Breathing at a faster rate than normal
• Can be a response to physical exertion, illness, or anxiety
• May indicate an underlying medical condition, such as asthma or COPD

3. Chest Tightness or Pain

• Feeling of tightness or pain in the chest
• Can be a sign of serious conditions like heart attack, pulmonary embolism, or interstitial lung disease
• Often accompanied by other symptoms like palpitations or dizziness

4. Wheezing or Coughing

• Wheezing sounds when breathing out (A whistling sound when exhaling)
• Coughing, which may produce mucus
• Common in conditions like asthma, COPD, and pneumonia

5. Fatigue or Weakness

• Feeling unusually tired or weak
• Can be due to insufficient oxygen reaching the body’s tissues
• Often seen in chronic conditions like heart failure and lung diseases

6. Inability to Engage in Physical Activity

• Difficulty performing physical activities due to breathlessness
• May indicate chronic conditions such as COPD or heart failure
• Can significantly impact quality of life

Common Causes of Shortness of Breath

Shortness of breath can be caused by a wide range of conditions. Some of the most common causes include respiratory conditions, cardiovascular issues, anxiety and panic disorders, and other medical conditions. Let’s explore these causes in more detail.

1. Respiratory Conditions

• Asthma: Reversible inflammation and constriction in the airways
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Irreversible damage to the breathing tubes and lung tissue
• Pneumonia: Infection in the lungs causing inflammation and fluid buildup
• Interstitial Lung Disease: Damage to lung tissue from various causes

2. Cardiovascular Causes

• Heart Attack: Reduced blood flow can lead to fluid backup in the lungs making it difficult to breathe
• Heart Failure: Inability of the heart to pump enough blood, causing breathlessness and fatigue
• Pulmonary Embolism: Blood clot in an artery to the lung

3. Anxiety and Panic Disorders

• Anxiety Attacks: Can cause rapid, shallow breathing and feelings of being smothered or suffocated
• Panic Disorder: Recurring panic attacks that can lead to shortness of breath

4. Other Medical Conditions

• Obesity: Excess weight can strain the lungs and heart, leading to shortness of breath
• Anaemia: Low red blood cell count or haemoglobin level, reducing oxygen delivery to tissues
• Foreign Objects Obstructing Airways: Blockage in the airways can cause sudden shortness of breath

Shortness of Breath Treatment

Let’s go through some of the treatment options for breathlessness:

• Medications: Such as bronchodilators for asthma, diuretics for heart failure, and antibiotics for infections
• Oxygen Therapy: To increase oxygen levels in the blood
• Surgery: For conditions like structural heart disease, chronic blood clots, or severe emphysema
• Breathing Exercises: Relaxation and breathing techniques to manage symptoms
• Lifestyle Changes: Quitting smoking, losing weight, and increasing physical activity

Home Remedies for Shortness of Breath

In addition to medical treatments, there are also home remedies that can help alleviate shortness of breath:

• Deep Breathing Exercises: Focus on slow, deep inhales and exhales to calm the respiratory system
• Relaxation Techniques: Meditation, yoga, or progressive muscle relaxation to reduce anxiety
• Elevate Your Head: When sleeping, use extra pillows to elevate your head and reduce congestion
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to thin out mucus and keep airways clear
• Avoid Triggers: Stay away from allergens, pollutants, and irritants that can exacerbate respiratory conditions

Preventing Shortness of Breath

Preventing breathlessness is possible. Here are some ways to prevent shortness of breath:

• Engage in regular moderate exercise to improve lung and heart function
• Consume a healthy, balanced diet to avoid obesity and related respiratory issues
• Quit smoking and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke to reduce lung damage
• Practice relaxation techniques like meditation and deep breathing to manage stress
• Take precautions to avoid inhaling pollutants, chemicals, and dust

Risk Factors of Shortness of Breath

Several factors can contribute to an increased likelihood of experiencing shortness of breath. Being overweight, smoking, and leading a sedentary lifestyle with minimal exercise can all heighten the risk. Pre-existing heart or lung conditions, such as asthma, COPD, and heart failure, also play a significant role.

Environmental exposures to pollutants, chemicals, and dust can exacerbate the condition, while genetic factors may influence the development of emphysema and early-onset cardiac diseases. If you suspect that you may be at risk for shortness of breath, it is crucial to consult  a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis.

Diagnosis of Shortness of Breath

Diagnosis of dyspnoea will entail the following steps:

• Providing a detailed medical history, including symptoms and lifestyle factors
• Undergoing a physical examination to assess vital signs and lung and heart sounds
• Chest imaging, such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI, to evaluate lung and heart structures
• Pulmonary function tests to measure lung capacity and efficiency
• Echocardiogram to assess heart function
• Advanced cardiopulmonary exercise testing for unexplained cases, measuring oxygen utilisation and heart and lung function during exercise

When to contact a doctor

If you experience severe shortness of breath, chest pain, or discolouration of your skin or lips, seek immediate medical attention. Other signs that warrant urgent care include sudden onset of dyspnea, inability to function normally due to breathlessness, nausea, or  palpitations. For less severe symptoms, such as worsening shortness of breath during routine activities, swollen ankles, or a persistent cough, consult your doctor for further evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Conclusion

Shortness of breath can be a signal of serious medical issues — from asthma and lung infections to heart failure and pulmonary embolism. Knowing the causes, symptoms, and when to seek medical care is vital. Although breathing exercises and home remedies can provide some relief, never ignore persistent or severe symptoms. Timely diagnosis and proper management can greatly improve both quality of life and long-term outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References 

• https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11739-023-03322-8
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780323915342000084
• https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamacardiology/article-abstract/2793877
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0012369222001453