First aid for shortness of breath

Shortness of breath is an uncomfortable feeling of not getting enough air, tight breathing or needing extra effort to breathe. It can follow exertion or an infection, but it may also reflect asthma, acute bronchitis, COPD, anaemia or a heart-related problem such as angina or atrial fibrillation. Anaphylaxis can cause rapid breathing difficulty with swelling or an itchy rash.

The timing, speed of onset, chest symptoms, fever, cough, wheeze and known conditions help determine urgency. New or unexplained breathlessness should be assessed rather than diagnosed from the symptom alone.

Stop exertion and sit leaning slightly forward with your arms supported. Loosen restrictive clothing and move away from smoke or other irritants. Use your prescribed inhaler or other rescue treatment according to your personal plan; do not borrow medication. If the person has a prescribed oxygen plan, follow it. Avoid lying flat unless they are faint and need safe positioning, and do not give food or drink if breathing is severely impaired.

Call emergency services immediately for severe breathlessness, blue or grey lips, inability to speak in full sentences, confusion, collapse, severe chest pain, coughing blood, or sudden symptoms after a food, sting or medicine. Get urgent assessment for new breathlessness, worsening symptoms, breathlessness at rest, fever with deterioration, or symptoms that do not settle with prescribed treatment. Do not drive yourself if breathing is seriously difficult.

Ask what your personal action plan should say, how to use your inhaler correctly, which warning signs matter for your condition, and whether you need tests for heart, lung or blood-related causes.