Although shortness of breath is most common in lung diseases, many different diseases and psychological factors can cause shortness of breath. Acıbadem Taksim Hospital Chest Diseases Specialist Assoc. Dr. Tülin Sevim talked about 10 health problems that cause shortness of breath; made important warnings.
It is mild and temporary in some diseases, severe in some diseases, and long in some diseases. Noticing the person's breathing, breathing difficulties and difficulty breathing are defined as 'dyspnea', known as 'shortness of breath' in the society. When shortness of breath develops during the pandemic process, the first thing that comes to mind is the "Covid-19 infection", which has taken the whole world by storm. However, shortness of breath, which can reach a level that will significantly reduce our quality of life, does not always indicate Covid-19. In healthy people, shortness of breath may occur after intense exercise, while traveling in a high altitude area, or when there are significant temperature changes. However, shortness of breath can also be a harbinger of a serious health problem. Acıbadem Taksim Hospital Chest Diseases Specialist Assoc. Dr. Tülin Sevim pointed out that the way shortness of breath begins is important and said, “Emergency intervention may be required in case of sudden onset of severe shortness of breath, and it is vital to apply to the nearest health institution. Slow-growing and long-lasting shortness of breath should definitely be examined, even if it is not an emergency. " says. Although shortness of breath is most common in lung diseases, many different diseases and psychological factors can cause shortness of breath. Acıbadem Taksim Hospital Chest Diseases Specialist Assoc. Dr. Tülin Sevim talked about 10 health problems that cause shortness of breath; made important warnings.
Asthma
Shortness of breath occurs as attacks in asthma. When the patient with asthma encounters with various allergen and trigger factors; narrowing of the airways, shortness of breath and wheezing occur. The patient's breathing can be completely normal except for attacks.
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
A disease characterized by narrowing of the airways and shortness of breath, which is usually seen in people who smoke. Shortness of breath in COPD is progressive and gets worse over time. Shortness of breath is not recycled. Lung infections and attacks cause the disease to worsen.
COVID-19 infection
“Covid-19 is one of the most common diseases in the past year. The most common symptoms are fever, cough and fatigue. " Said Chest Diseases Specialist Assoc. Dr. Tülin Sevim continues as follows: “However, shortness of breath can also occur especially in cases where the lungs are affected. Shortness of breath is an important finding in terms of showing the severity of the disease. Therefore, Covid-19 patients with shortness of breath should definitely consult a doctor without wasting time. "
Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is defined as a serious, life-threatening allergic reaction. Shortness of breath that occurs within seconds or minutes after exposure to a factor that we are allergic to, such as peanut or bee sting, requires urgent intervention.
Heart failure
Chest Diseases Specialist Assoc. Dr. Stating that heart failure develops when the heart muscle cannot contract properly, Tülin Sevim said, “Heart failure can show an insidious course for a long time, but it can also appear suddenly. Patients complain that their shortness of breath increases when they lie flat, while climbing stairs, or during exertion, and they prefer to sleep with 2 or more pillows. " says.
Obesity
Obesity, or obesity as it is known by the public, is a serious picture that occurs as a result of excessive fat accumulation in the body. "Obesity is not only a cosmetic problem, it is an important disease that can cause many health problems such as heart disease, diabetes and lung disease," Assoc. Dr. Tülin Sevim says: “Being overweight can strain our lungs and make breathing difficult. Some overweight patients are mistakenly diagnosed with asthma, using breath-opening medications for years. When they lose weight, shortness of breath completely improves and patients do not need to use medication.
Panic attack
It's normal to experience anxiety every now and then. However, in people with anxiety disorders; There is a state of fear and an ongoing state of anxiety against situations encountered in daily life. Anxiety manifests itself in "panic attack" crises. During these crises, people may develop shortness of breath with rapid breathing.
Anemia (Anemia)
The insufficiency of healthy red blood cells required to carry oxygen to tissues is defined as anemia. Shortness of breath is one of the most common symptoms. Patients may also develop complaints such as fatigue, pale skin and irregular heartbeat. Anemia should be investigated by performing blood counts in patients with shortness of breath.
Pulmonary embolism
Pulmonary embolism is a serious and life-threatening condition that requires urgent intervention. It occurs as a result of sudden blockage of the pulmonary artery. This blockage usually develops due to a blood clot coming from a vein in the leg into the lung. It manifests itself with symptoms such as sudden shortness of breath, stinging chest pain, palpitations, spitting blood, swelling and pain in the legs.
Lung Fibrosis (Lung hardening)
Lung fibrosis; It is formed as a result of thickening and hardening of the walls of the small air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs. In this picture, the lungs become unable to meet the body's oxygen needs. The most common symptoms are dry and persistent cough and shortness of breath. Assoc. Dr. Stating that shortness of breath gradually progresses in this disease, Tülin Sevim said, "Shortness of breath that occurs only during effort in the early stages of the disease begins to be seen while the disease progresses, as well as at rest." says.
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