When should you see a doctor about shortness of breath?

Shortness of breath may feel like air hunger, chest tightness, or difficulty completing a sentence. It can follow infection, reduced fitness, obesity, panic disorder, or iron deficiency anaemia, but it may also reflect pneumonia or a serious problem involving the lungs or blood vessels. Pulmonary embolism, lung cancer, mesothelioma, and malignant pleural effusion are examples of conditions that can include breathlessness. The symptom alone cannot identify its cause.

Stop exertion, sit upright, loosen tight clothing, and use a prescribed reliever exactly as directed. Note whether symptoms began suddenly or gradually, what activity triggers them, and whether fever, cough, wheeze, leg swelling, chest pain, or weight change is present. Do not drive yourself if breathing is severely difficult or you feel faint.

Call emergency services for severe or rapidly worsening breathlessness, inability to speak normally, blue or grey lips, chest pressure, fainting, new confusion, or coughing blood. Sudden breathlessness with one-sided leg pain or swelling also needs urgent assessment. Arrange a prompt appointment if symptoms recur, wake you at night, limit ordinary activity, or follow an infection without improving.

Ask what examination or tests may clarify the cause, whether your medicines could contribute, and which symptoms should prompt emergency care. Tell the clinician about smoking or dust exposure, recent travel or immobility, allergies, fever, chest pain, and any history of anaemia or lung disease.