Shortness of breath; Breathlessness; Difficulty breathing; Dyspnea
What causes shortness of breath?
Being unfit, overweight, smoking, other kinds of air pollution, allergies, heart, lung, or blood disease can all cause shortness of breath. It can be a side effect of some medicines. Blocked nasal passages may also lead to difficult breathing, and while this is unpleasant and should be treated, is not a cause for immediate concern.
Shortness of breath can be associated with early sign of CHF. This may result in awakening at nite with shortness of breath (SOB).
How does heart disease cause shortness of breath?
Shortness of breath caused by heart disease is a sign that the heart can no longer pump enough blood to meet the oxygen needs of the muscles and organs of the body, first during exercise, but later even at rest. All kinds of heart disease can be helped by treatment with healthy diet, daily exercise and medications.
If you are experiencing shortness of breath, consult with your physician.
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[Disclaimer] The information provided by the OCHeart.org website is intended for educational and convenience purposes only. It should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem and is not intended as a substitute for medical care or physician consultation. If you have -- or think that you have, a health problem or disease, you should consult your doctor or health care provider directly.
