What should you know about difference between dyspnea and shortness of breath?

Dyspnea is the clinical word; shortness of breath is the everyday wording. People may describe air hunger, chest tightness, fast breathing, or difficulty taking a deep breath. The feeling can happen during exertion, at rest, when lying down, or alongside cough and wheeze.

The symptom has many possible causes. These include [Acute Bronchitis](/conditions/acute-bronchitis/), [Asthma](/conditions/asthma/), [COPD](/conditions/copd/), [Anaemia](/conditions/anaemia/), heart conditions such as [Angina](/conditions/angina/) or [Atrial Fibrillation](/conditions/atrial-fibrillation/), and allergic emergencies. The sensation alone cannot identify the cause.

Notice when the breathing difficulty began, what you were doing, whether it is worsening, and whether chest pain, fever, cough, wheeze, palpitations or swelling are present. Sit upright, loosen tight clothing and use a prescribed reliever exactly as directed. Avoid borrowing someone else's inhaler.

Arrange a clinical assessment for new, recurring or unexplained breathlessness, particularly if it limits normal activity or occurs at night. Assessment may include listening to your chest, checking oxygen levels and reviewing heart, lung and blood conditions.

Call emergency services for severe or rapidly worsening breathlessness, blue or grey lips, inability to speak normally, fainting, new confusion, or chest pressure. Sudden breathing difficulty with facial or throat swelling may indicate [Anaphylaxis](/conditions/anaphylaxis/).

Urgent assessment is also needed for breathlessness with coughing blood, sudden one-sided chest pain, or a very fast or irregular heartbeat. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint or cannot breathe comfortably.

Ask what may be causing the symptom, whether you need lung or heart tests, how to use prescribed inhalers, which warning signs matter for you, and what to do if breathlessness returns.