What should you know about having shortness of breath?

Breathlessness may feel like air hunger, chest tightness or difficulty taking a full breath. A chest infection such as acute bronchitis, asthma, COPD or bronchiectasis can narrow or inflame the airways. Anaemia can reduce oxygen delivery, while angina or atrial fibrillation can affect how the heart responds to activity. Anaphylaxis can cause rapid breathing with swelling or wheezing. Notice whether it is sudden, occurs at rest or exertion, and comes with cough, fever, wheeze, pain, swelling or palpitations.

Stop exertion, sit upright and loosen tight clothing. Use a prescribed reliever inhaler exactly as directed if you have an asthma action plan. Avoid smoke and other known triggers. Arrange a clinical review for new, recurring or gradually worsening breathlessness; assessment may include oxygen measurement, chest examination, heart checks and targeted tests. Do not self-diagnose from the sensation alone.

Call emergency services for severe or rapidly worsening breathlessness, blue or grey lips, inability to speak in full sentences, chest pressure, fainting, confusion, or sudden swelling of the face, tongue or throat. Urgent assessment is also needed for breathlessness with coughing blood, a new irregular heartbeat or severe weakness.

Is the pattern more suggestive of an airway, heart or blood problem? Should I have breathing tests, an ECG or blood tests? What should I do if it returns at night or during exercise?