Why does COPD cause shortness of breath?

Shortness of Breath is a very common presentation of COPD. Air can become trapped in the lungs, so there is less room for the next comfortable breath.

Walking, climbing stairs, carrying shopping, and rushing can increase the body’s need for oxygen. COPD may make the effort of breathing rise sooner during these activities, even when the lungs are doing their usual work.

Breathlessness can vary from day to day. A sudden or marked worsening may be a COPD flare-up, but it can also have other causes that need assessment rather than being assumed to be part of COPD.

Use your prescribed inhalers as directed, and have a pharmacist, nurse, or doctor watch your inhaler technique. Pacing an activity, planning rest points, and breathing out slowly through pursed lips can reduce the feeling of air hunger for some people.

Keep away from tobacco smoke, vaping aerosols, strong scents, and air pollution when you can. If breathlessness limits regular tasks, discuss pulmonary rehabilitation or a tailored activity plan with your care team.

Contact a clinician promptly when your baseline breathlessness worsens, your reliever treatment is not helping as expected, or you have new swelling of the ankles. Call emergency services for severe trouble breathing, fainting, confusion, blue or grey lips, chest pain, or an inability to speak full sentences.

Ask which changes in your breathing should activate your COPD action plan, whether your inhalers are the right type for you, and how to exercise safely. Bring a list of activities that trigger symptoms so the discussion is specific.