Medications that help shortness of breath

A reliever inhaler may open narrowed airways in asthma or COPD, while other inhalers reduce airway inflammation or help clear mucus. Antibiotics are used only when a clinician considers a bacterial infection such as some cases of acute bronchitis. Breathlessness from anaemia, angina, or atrial fibrillation needs a different plan.

Breathlessness can also occur with bronchiectasis, allergies, or a serious reaction such as anaphylaxis. The useful treatment depends on onset, triggers, cough, chest discomfort, wheeze, fever, pulse, and oxygen level. Do not borrow another person's inhaler or use leftover antibiotics.

If you have a prescribed inhaler, use it with the technique taught by your clinician and check that it is in date. Sit upright, loosen tight clothing, and avoid exertion while arranging advice. Keep a record of triggers, night symptoms, activity limits, and how often you need a reliever.

A clinician may listen to your chest, check oxygen and heart rate, and arrange tests. Treatment might include an inhaler, medicine for infection, or care for a heart or blood condition; the choice should follow an assessment rather than the symptom alone.

Call emergency services for severe or rapidly worsening breathlessness, blue or grey lips, inability to speak normally, chest pressure, fainting, confusion, or swelling of the lips or tongue. Sudden breathlessness after an exposure can be anaphylaxis.

Seek same-day medical advice for new breathlessness, breathlessness at rest, fever with worsening cough, coughing blood, or symptoms that repeatedly wake you. Use your personal action plan if one has been provided.

What is causing my breathlessness? Which medicine should I use, when, and with what technique? How often is too often for my reliever? What symptoms mean I should call emergency services?