Chest cold and shortness of breath: what to know

Acute Bronchitis can inflame the breathing tubes and cause cough, mucus, chest discomfort and breathlessness. Asthma may cause episodes of wheeze and chest tightness, while COPD can cause a flare with increased cough, mucus or reduced exercise tolerance. Anaemia can contribute to breathlessness and tiredness. Atrial Fibrillation may cause an irregular heartbeat with reduced stamina or breathlessness. Angina can cause breathlessness or chest discomfort with exertion. Anaphylaxis can develop rapidly with breathing difficulty, swelling or a widespread itchy rash and is an emergency.

Rest, drink fluids if you can, avoid smoke and monitor whether breathing is comfortable at rest and during gentle movement. Note fever, cough, mucus colour, wheeze, chest pain, palpitations and how quickly symptoms are changing. Use a prescribed inhaler action plan exactly as directed; do not borrow someone else’s inhaler. Arrange a clinical review if breathlessness persists, limits normal activity, returns after improving or occurs with a chronic lung condition.

Call emergency services for severe breathlessness, inability to speak comfortably, blue or grey lips, confusion, collapse, sudden chest pain, coughing blood, or swelling of the lips, tongue or throat. Seek urgent same-day care for breathlessness at rest, rapidly worsening symptoms, high fever with weakness, new palpitations or symptoms after a possible allergic exposure. A chest cold should not be used to explain away dangerous breathing changes.

Is this airway irritation or could asthma, COPD, anaemia or a heart rhythm problem be contributing? Do I need a breathing examination or other tests? What change in symptoms should trigger emergency help?