Extreme breathlessness: when to seek urgent care

Breathlessness can come from the airways, lungs, heart, blood, or another body system. Asthma, acute bronchitis, bronchiectasis, and COPD may cause cough, wheeze, mucus, or chest tightness. Anaemia can reduce oxygen delivery and cause fatigue or a racing heartbeat. Angina may cause pressure or discomfort with exertion, while atrial fibrillation can bring an irregular heartbeat and reduced exercise tolerance. Anaphylaxis may cause rapid breathing with swelling, hives, or throat tightness.

Stop exertion and sit upright in a position that makes breathing easier. Loosen tight clothing, keep away from smoke, and use a prescribed reliever inhaler or other emergency medicine according to your action plan. Do not drive yourself if breathing is severely impaired. If symptoms are intense or worsening, contact emergency services and follow their instructions.

Call for emergency help immediately if you cannot speak in full sentences, your lips look blue or grey, you become confused or faint, you have severe chest pain, sudden weakness, facial or throat swelling, or breathlessness began abruptly. New breathlessness that is less severe but unexplained still needs prompt clinical assessment.

Tell the clinician when the breathing problem began, what triggers it, whether you have wheeze or chest pain, and which medicines you use. Ask whether you need lung tests, heart checks, blood tests, or an updated written action plan.