What should you know about shortness of breath?

Describe whether it began suddenly or gradually, happens at rest or with activity, and comes with cough, wheeze, chest discomfort, fever, palpitations or ankle swelling. Asthma, COPD, bronchiectasis and acute bronchitis can affect the airways or lungs. Anaemia can reduce oxygen delivery, while angina or atrial fibrillation can contribute to heart-related breathlessness.

A severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis may cause sudden breathing difficulty with swelling, rash, dizziness or collapse. Breathlessness has many possible explanations, so the timing and associated symptoms help a clinician decide what examination or testing is needed.

Stop strenuous activity, sit upright and loosen tight clothing while you assess the symptom. Use a prescribed reliever inhaler according to your action plan; do not borrow someone else’s medicine. Note triggers, duration, position, recent infection, smoking or vaping exposure and any new medication.

Arrange a medical review for new, recurring or gradually worsening breathlessness, even when it settles with rest. Bring your medicine list and inhalers so technique and treatment can be checked.

Call emergency services for severe or rapidly worsening breathlessness, blue or grey lips, inability to speak in full sentences, fainting, confusion, sudden chest pressure, or swelling of the face or tongue. Sudden breathlessness after a possible allergic exposure also needs immediate help.

Ask what pattern your symptoms suggest, whether lung or heart tests are needed, and how to use any inhaler correctly. Discuss warning signs, activity limits, trigger avoidance and when a routine review should become urgent.