How to manage shortness of breath

Breathlessness is the feeling that breathing takes extra effort or that you cannot draw in enough air. Asthma can cause wheeze, chest tightness and variable symptoms; acute bronchitis may bring cough. COPD and bronchiectasis can cause persistent breathlessness with sputum, while anaemia can reduce oxygen delivery and leave you tired.

Heart-related causes include angina or an irregular rhythm such as atrial fibrillation. Sudden breathlessness with swelling, rash or throat tightness can indicate anaphylaxis. The speed of onset, trigger, chest symptoms, fever, cough and known conditions help guide assessment.

Stop, loosen tight clothing and sit upright with your shoulders relaxed. Move away from smoke, dust or a suspected allergen. If you have an asthma action plan or prescribed inhaler, follow it; do not borrow someone else’s medicine. Avoid driving yourself if symptoms are worsening.

For recurring symptoms, record when they happen, what you were doing, how long they last, and whether wheeze, palpitations, pain, fever or sputum occur. A clinician may check oxygen levels, heart rhythm, lungs and blood tests before deciding on treatment.

Call emergency services for severe or rapidly worsening breathlessness, inability to speak normally, blue or grey lips, fainting, new confusion, chest pressure, or sudden symptoms after food, medicine or an insect sting. Seek prompt review for new breathlessness, symptoms at rest, coughing blood, fever with deterioration or a noticeable change in an existing lung condition.

Could my breathing problem come from my lungs, heart or blood? Do I need an inhaler plan, rhythm check or blood tests? Which symptoms should make me call emergency services?