Chills and shortness of breath

Chills often occur as the body responds to infection or a change in temperature. Breathlessness may accompany a chest infection such as Acute Bronchitis, or a flare of Asthma or COPD. Anaemia can reduce oxygen delivery and contribute to breathlessness, while Angina or Atrial Fibrillation can cause chest discomfort, a racing or irregular heartbeat, and reduced exercise tolerance. Anaphylaxis may cause sudden breathing difficulty with swelling, hives, or dizziness.

The combination does not identify one diagnosis by itself. Note whether symptoms began suddenly, whether you have fever, cough, wheezing, chest pain, palpitations, a rash, or recent exposure to illness.

Stop exertion and sit upright in a comfortable position. Loosen tight clothing, keep your surroundings comfortably warm, and take small sips of fluid if you can swallow normally. Use a prescribed reliever inhaler exactly as directed. Avoid smoking and do not drive if breathing is difficult or you feel faint.

Arrange prompt medical assessment if the symptoms are new, worsening, recurring, or accompanied by fever or a cough. A clinician may check your breathing, heart rate, temperature, oxygen level, and chest.

Call emergency services if you are struggling to speak in full sentences, breathing becomes rapidly worse, your lips look blue or grey, you have severe chest pressure, fainting, confusion, or sudden swelling of the face, tongue, or throat. Seek urgent assessment for breathlessness at rest, coughing blood, or a very fast or irregular heartbeat with weakness.

Ask what may be causing both symptoms, whether you need a chest or heart assessment, and which changes should prompt emergency help. Tell the clinician when the symptoms started, your temperature if measured, medicines taken, existing lung or heart conditions, and any recent travel or illness exposure.