Dyspnea, or shortness of breath, can be caused by various factors and can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. Learn more about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for dyspnea in this comprehensive guide.
Learn about the different types of dyspnea, including chronic and acute, and how to alleviate symptoms with self-care tips and home remedies tailored to address both acute and chronic bronchitis. From time to time, some young people may feel a sudden, knife-like pain in the chest that goes away fairly quickly. Learn what causes the pain and what it may mean.
RSV symptoms usually appear 4-6 days after exposure, lasting 2-8 days or sometimes longer. It’s usually contagious for 3-8 days. Mucus is natural. If your body makes too much of it, it might be a sign of a wide range of problems, including acid reflux, allergies, asthma, infections, or other conditions.
Stage IV chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is classified as very severe and in advanced stages. Learn more about the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of stage IV COPD. The respiratory system is made up of organs and other parts of the body involved in breathing when you exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Your body makes phlegm, aka mucus, to sweep out harmful bacteria and allergens. The color of the phlegm can depend on the causes. Here are possible reasons why it’s brown.
Are you familiar with the sounds your lungs can make and what they might indicate? Learn about wheezing, crackling, stridor, and their meanings. Aspiration is when something enters your airway or lungs. It can also happen when something goes back into your throat from your stomach. Learn more about the symptoms, causes, risk factors, diagnosis, complications, and prevention of aspiration.
Learn how to breathe easier with these tips and treatment options for dyspnea:
Causes
- Air pollution
- Asthma
- Chronic bronchitis
- Emphysema
- Pulmonary embolism
- RSV
- Acid reflux
- Allergies
- Infections
- Heart disease
- Cancer
Symptoms
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Fatigue
- Pain in the chest or back
- Rapid heartbeat
Treatment Options
- Medications such as inhalers and bronchodilators
- Therapy to manage underlying conditions
- Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and exercising regularly
- Home remedies such as steam inhalation and humidifiers
Prevention
- Avoid air pollution
- Get vaccinated against flu and pneumonia
- Practice good hygiene
- Get regular exercise