What should you know about frequent shortness of breath?

Breathlessness may occur during activity, at rest, when lying down or alongside wheezing, cough, chest discomfort, palpitations, tiredness or fever. Asthma can narrow the airways and cause episodes that vary with triggers. COPD, bronchiectasis and acute bronchitis can affect airflow or mucus clearance. Anaemia can reduce oxygen delivery and leave you unusually tired. Heart conditions such as angina or atrial fibrillation may also cause breathlessness, especially with exertion. A severe allergic reaction can cause sudden breathing difficulty with swelling, rash or dizziness. These possibilities overlap, so the symptom alone cannot identify its cause.

Arrange a clinical review if the symptom is recurring, worsening, limiting ordinary activity or appearing without a clear trigger. Note when it starts, what you were doing, how long it lasts, whether it improves with rest, and any cough, wheeze, pain, fever or ankle swelling. Avoid smoke and other known irritants. Use prescribed inhalers exactly as directed; do not borrow someone else’s medicine. A clinician may listen to your chest, check oxygen levels and heart rhythm, and decide whether further tests are needed.

Seek emergency help for severe or rapidly worsening breathlessness, blue or grey lips, fainting, confusion, inability to speak comfortably, sudden chest pressure, or breathing trouble with facial or throat swelling. Urgent assessment is also appropriate when breathlessness begins suddenly after a possible allergic exposure or with marked palpitations. Sit upright, loosen tight clothing and avoid driving yourself if symptoms are severe.

What pattern of breathlessness do you think I have? Could my medicines, allergies, heart or blood health contribute? What symptoms should prompt emergency help? Should I track exertion, sleep position or inhaler use?