Extreme fatigue and shortness of breath: what to know

Breathlessness can happen when the airways narrow, the lungs are inflamed or damaged, the heart is struggling to move blood, or the blood carries less oxygen. Anaemia may cause tiredness and breathlessness during activity. Asthma, COPD, bronchiectasis, acute bronchitis, angina, and atrial fibrillation can also present with breathlessness or reduced exercise tolerance. Anaphylaxis is an emergency cause when breathing trouble follows an exposure and comes with swelling, hives, or throat tightness.

Record whether symptoms occur during exertion or rest, how quickly they began, and whether there is cough, wheeze, fever, chest discomfort, faintness, palpitations, leg swelling, or an allergic exposure.

Stop strenuous activity, sit upright, and use a prescribed reliever inhaler only according to your action plan. Avoid smoke and other known triggers. Arrange prompt clinical review for new or unexplained symptoms; an assessment may include listening to the chest, checking oxygen levels, and blood or heart tests.

Call emergency services for severe breathing difficulty, blue or grey lips, inability to speak normally, fainting, confusion, severe chest pressure, sudden swelling of the face or tongue, or rapidly worsening symptoms. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint or cannot breathe comfortably.

Ask whether your pattern suggests an airway, heart, or blood problem, which tests are needed, how to use any inhaler, and which changes should trigger emergency help.