Shortness of breath, also known medically as dyspnea, is a common symptom that various factors, such as physical exertion, anxiety, or underlying medical conditions can cause. While it is normal to experience shortness of breath occasionally, it can also indicate a serious health problem that should be addressed as soon as possible. Here are 10 signs that your shortness of breath is an emergency:
1. Sudden Onset of Shortness of Breath
If you suddenly experience shortness of breath without any apparent cause or trigger, it could be a sign of a serious condition, such as a heart attack, pulmonary embolism, or pneumothorax (collapsed lung). Seek medical attention immediately.
2. Shortness of Breath That’s Accompanied by Chest Pain
Chest pain, along with shortness of breath, could be a sign of a heart attack or pulmonary embolism. Other symptoms may include sweating, nausea, and lightheadedness. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
3. Acute Shortness of Breath After A Mild Physical Activity
If you experience shortness of breath after physical exertion, such as climbing stairs, it could be a sign of underlying heart or lung disease. It is important to seek medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause.
4. Shortness of Breath At Rest
If you experience shortness of breath at rest or while lying down, it could be a sign of heart failure or other lung diseases. This is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.
5. Shortness of Breath That’s Accompanied by Bluish Lips of Fingertips
A bluish tint to the lips or fingertips indicates that your body is not receiving enough oxygen, and it could be a sign of a serious respiratory or cardiovascular condition. Seek medical attention immediately.
6. Inability to Speak or Complete Sentences Due to Shortness of Breath
If you are unable to speak or complete sentences due to shortness of breath, it is a sign of severe respiratory distress and requires immediate medical attention.
7. Shortness of Breath That’s Accompanied by Wheezing
Wheezing is a whistling sound when breathing and is a common symptom of asthma and other respiratory conditions. If you experience wheezing and shortness of breath, it could be a sign of a severe asthma attack or other respiratory condition. Seek medical attention immediately.
8. Shortness of Breath Along With Coughing Up Blood
If you cough up blood along with shortness of breath, it could be a sign of a pulmonary embolism (when a blood clot gets stuck in an artery in the lung, blocking blood flow to part of the lung), lung cancer, or another serious respiratory condition. Seek medical attention immediately.
9. Shortness of Breath That’s Accompanied by Swelling in The Legs or Feet
Swelling in the legs or feet, along with shortness of breath, could be a sign of heart failure (when the heart can’t pump enough oxygen and nutrients to meet the body’s needs) or other serious cardiovascular conditions such as deep vein thrombosis. Seek medical attention immediately.
10. Shortness of Breath That’s Accompanied by Confusion or Altered Mental Status
Confusion or altered mental status, along with shortness of breath, could be a sign of low oxygen levels in the body, which is a medical emergency as it can be deadly. Seek medical attention immediately.
The Bottom Line
While shortness of breath may be nothing to worry about, sometimes it can be an indication of a serious health issue that requires immediate medical attention. It is important to pay attention to other accompanying symptoms and call 911 immediately if any of the above signs are present. Early intervention can lead to better outcomes and potentially save your life.
