Causes of breathlessness on exertion

Breathing harder during unfamiliar or intense activity can be expected, especially after inactivity. Breathlessness that is new, disproportionate, or progressively worse may arise from Acute Bronchitis, Asthma, Bronchiectasis, or COPD, particularly with cough, wheeze, mucus, or a smoking history. Anaemia can cause reduced exercise tolerance with tiredness, dizziness, paleness, or a racing heartbeat. Angina may cause pressure or discomfort with exertion. Atrial Fibrillation can produce an irregular heartbeat, tiredness, and reduced stamina. Anaphylaxis causes sudden breathing difficulty with allergic symptoms and requires emergency care.

Notice which activities trigger symptoms, how quickly they settle with rest, and whether they occur on stairs, in heat, or around dust or smoke. Record cough, wheeze, chest discomfort, palpitations, dizziness, fever, and leg swelling. Arrange a clinical review for new or persistent exertional breathlessness. Until assessed, pace yourself, avoid smoke, and do not push through chest pain or marked dizziness.

Seek emergency help for severe breathlessness, chest pressure, fainting, blue lips, confusion, coughing blood, sudden one-sided leg swelling, or throat and facial swelling. Prompt assessment is needed when symptoms appear at rest, wake you from sleep, worsen quickly, or come with a very fast or irregular heartbeat.

Could my symptoms relate to my lungs, heart, blood count, or fitness? Should I use an inhaler or change activity while this is assessed? Which warning signs should prompt emergency help?