What should you know about bloating and shortness of breath?

A full abdomen can limit comfortable diaphragm movement, especially after a large meal. Acute bronchitis may bring cough and chest discomfort; asthma and COPD may cause wheeze or tight breathing. Bronchiectasis can cause breathlessness with a long-term mucus-producing cough. Anaemia can reduce oxygen delivery and cause exertional breathlessness. Angina or atrial fibrillation can present with breathlessness, while anaphylaxis may cause sudden breathing difficulty with swelling or hives.

Stop exertion, loosen tight clothing and sit upright. Note whether symptoms follow meals, occur with wheeze, or appear during walking. Use only your prescribed medicines and follow your asthma or COPD action plan if you have one. Arrange assessment for a new, recurring or gradually worsening pattern, especially if normal activity is becoming harder.

Call emergency services for sudden severe breathlessness, inability to speak comfortably, blue lips, fainting, confusion, chest pressure, or swelling of the lips, tongue or throat. Sudden symptoms after food, medicine or an insect sting may indicate anaphylaxis. Do not assume abdominal gas is the explanation when breathing is visibly laboured.

Ask whether you need oxygen measurement, heart checks, blood tests or lung-function testing. Describe your activity level, cough, mucus, palpitations, allergies, smoking history and the timing of bloating.