Breathlessness: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Breathlessness, also called shortness of breath or dyspnoea, is a feeling of difficulty breathing. It is normal with physical exertion; however, if it occurs suddenly without an obvious reason, it may indicate an underlying health condition.

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What is Breathlessness (Dyspnoea)?

Breathlessness is difficulty or inability to breathe normally, even without physical exertion or at rest. It may or may not be a medical emergency depending on the severity, underlying cause, and duration of the condition. Mild Dyspnoea is common with exercise or allergies; however, if it occurs without any known reason, or the symptoms become more frequent and severe, it must be evaluated by an experienced medical professional.

Symptoms of Breathlessness

High BP, or Hypertension, develops when the force of blood against your arterial walls remains high, placing strain on vital organs, leading to long-term health risks. Other causes include:

  • Shortness of Breath
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Feeling anxious or panic
  • Noisy breathing
  • Gasping for air
  • Chest tightness or heaviness

In children, signs of breathlessness may vary, such as:

  • Fast breathing
  • Flaring nostrils when inhaling
  • Sometimes, a few-second breathing gap
  • Breathing noisily or grunting when breathing out

If you have one or more of these symptoms, please contact our team to book your appointment with a specialist and get expert assessment.

What Causes Shortness of Breath?

Breathlessness can be caused by multiple factors, associated with the brain and body’s different systems. It can have more than one cause. A detailed medical assessment can help determine underlying reasons, such as:

Nervous System and Breathing Disorder

  • Breathing Pattern Disorder
  • Hyperventilation
  • Dysautonomia

Lungs-Related Conditions

  • Asthma
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
  • Pulmonary Hypertension
  • Lung Cancer

Heart-Related Causes

  • Heart Failure
  • Abnormal Heart Rhythm
  • Angina
  • Heart Disease

Muscle-Related Causes

  • Myopathy
  • Deconditioning

Other Medical Conditions

  • Anaemia
  • Thyroid Disease

Types of Dyspnoea

Acute Dyspnoea

Acute dyspnoea can be caused suddenly due to an asthma attack, allergy, panic attack, or heart failure. It requires urgent medical attention.

Chronic Dyspnoea

Breathlessness that can occur daily and last for longer periods (may be upto several weeks) is categorised as chronic dyspnoea.

Risk Factors for Breathlessness

  • Obesity
  • Anxiety or Panic Attacks
  • Anaemia
  • Diabetes
  • Hypertension
  • Chest Infection
  • Smoking

Are There Any Complications?

Mild breathlessness is common during exercise, physical activity, or climbing stairs. However, if it occurs at rest, without any obvious cause, or happens frequently should not be ignored. If your breathing does not return to normal within a few minutes, seek medical advice promptly.

Breathlessness accompanied by chest pain or tightness, nausea, vomiting, or coughing up blood may indicate a serious medical condition and requires urgent medical attention.

Our Specialists’ Diagnostic Approach to Breathlessness

Our specialists at The National Heart Clinic determine the root cause of breathlessness through a detailed medical history, physical examination, and advanced diagnostic tests where required to identify the underlying cause. Depending on your symptoms and medical history, investigations may include blood tests, a chest X-ray, blood pressure checks, an exercise stress test, lung function tests, and oxygen level checks. If breathlessness is severe or remains unexplained, a CT scan may also be recommended to investigate possible underlying conditions.

At The National Heart Clinic, some of our cardiologists have particular expertise in assessing and treating breathlessness. They can evaluate your symptoms, identify possible underlying causes, and recommend appropriate diagnostic tests and treatment.

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Treatment for Breathlessness

Treatment for breathlessness depends on the underlying cause of your symptoms. In some cases, lifestyle adjustments can help improve breathing and reduce discomfort. Maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, and practising relaxation techniques may be beneficial, particularly where it is linked to anxiety or stress.

If lifestyle changes alone do not improve your symptoms, consulting a specialist can help identify the right treatment. At The National Heart Clinic, our specialists assess your overall health, symptoms, and diagnostic test results to develop a personalised treatment plan. Depending on the underlying cause, treatment may include lifestyle guidance, medication, and further medical interventions where required.

When to Seek Emergency Care?

Call 999 or go to A&E immediately if you or your child have any of these symptoms:

  • Extreme difficulty in breathing – gasping, choking, or not able to speak.
  • Chest tightness, heaviness, or pain that spreads to your arms, back, neck, or jaw.
  • Pale, blue, or greyish skin or lips
  • For children, if they don’t respond normally or their head falls to the side, backward or forward.

Why Choose The National Heart Clinic?

Our experienced cardiology specialists provide comprehensive assessment, advanced diagnostic testing, and personalised treatment plans to help patients receive the right care.

Early diagnosis and expert cardiology care can help identify the underlying cause of your symptoms and support effective long-term management.

  • Flexible appointments
  • Specialist Dyspnoea treatment
  • Comprehensive diagnostics with state-of-the-art facilities

Book a Private Consultation Today

Book an appointment with breathlessness specialists or cardiologists at The National Heart Clinic, Harley Street, London, and get expert assessment, accurate diagnosis, and a personalised treatment plan to manage your symptoms effectively.

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FAQs

Sudden breathlessness that does not improve with rest, and is accompanied by chest pain, fainting, or bluish lips or skin, may indicate a serious condition.

Untreated, long-term, and severe breathlessness may be life-threatening. Urgent medical assessment can help manage the symptoms promptly and prevent complications.

Breathlessness can often be treated effectively once the underlying cause is identified. Treatment depends on whether it is related to the heart, lungs, anxiety, or another condition.

The duration depends on its underlying cause. Mild breathlessness may improve within a few minutes with rest, while severe symptoms take longer and require medical assessment.

You should seek medical advice if breathlessness is persistent, recurring, occurs at rest, or is getting worse. Sudden or severe breathlessness with chest pain, fainting, or bluish lips or skin requires urgent medical attention.

Anxiety can cause shortness of breath with symptoms such as rapid breathing, a racing heartbeat, dizziness, or a feeling of panic. However, these symptoms can also occur with heart or lung conditions, so persistent or unexplained breathlessness should be assessed by a healthcare professional.

Immediate care for shortness of breath involves staying calm, sitting upright, and taking prescribed medication if advised by your healthcare professional.

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