Shortness of breath with nausea and fatigue

Nausea may accompany infection, pain, medication effects, dehydration, or reduced oxygen delivery. Fatigue can follow poor sleep, a viral illness, anaemia, or strain on the heart and lungs. Asthma, acute bronchitis, COPD, or bronchiectasis may cause breathlessness with cough or wheeze. Angina can present with chest discomfort, nausea, sweating, or unusual tiredness, particularly during exertion. The combination is not enough to determine the cause.

Stop exertion and sit upright. Sip fluids if you can keep them down, and record when symptoms began, what brings them on, and any fever, cough, chest discomfort, dizziness, palpitations, vomiting, or dark stools. Seek same-day medical advice when symptoms are new, persistent, or interfering with normal activity. Bring a list of medicines and relevant health conditions.

Call emergency services for severe breathlessness, chest pressure, fainting, blue or grey lips, new confusion, coughing blood, or repeated vomiting with weakness. Urgent assessment is also needed for breathlessness with sweating, a racing or irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness, or symptoms that begin suddenly.

Ask whether you need oxygen measurement, a chest examination, blood tests for anaemia or infection, or heart testing, and how to recognise deterioration.