Feeling short of breath can be a common and unsettling experience, especially when it comes and goes without warning. It can make daily tasks, exercising, or even relaxing harder to manage. Understanding why this happens is important, so you can address it and prevent it from affecting your life too much.
This article will look at shortness of breath that comes and goes, how a lung doctor can help, and when you should seek care.
Common Causes of Occasional Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath is not a medical condition itself but rather a symptom of an underlying issue. It can result from various causes, ranging from temporary conditions to chronic illnesses.
Below are some of the most common reasons for shortness of breath that comes and goes:
1. Physical Exertion or Activity
Doing things like running, exercising, or other intense activities can make you feel out of breath for a short time. This happens because your body needs more oxygen, so your breathing has to work harder. Usually, this kind of breathlessness goes away when you rest.
However, do simple activities like walking or climbing stairs leave you struggling to breathe? If so, it could mean there is a health issue to check out.
2. Anxiety and Stress
Feeling anxious or stressed can make you breathe faster than usual, even if you are not moving or exercising. This quick breathing, called hyperventilation, can make you feel like you cannot catch your breath.
It might happen during stressful moments or when you are feeling very worried. The shortness of breath can appear and disappear depending on the situation.
3. Asthma
Asthma is a condition that makes the airways in your lungs swollen and narrow. This makes breathing harder at times.
If you have asthma, you might notice breathlessness that comes and goes. This is especially true if you are in areas with heavy dust, pollen, or smoke. It can also happen after you have been active. You may also experience coughing or make a wheezing sound when you breathe.
4. COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
COPD is a lung condition that makes it hard to breathe because your airways are blocked. It often happens after years of breathing in harmful things like cigarette smoke.
Some days, breathing may feel easier, but things like air pollution or a cold can make it worse. Your doctor can help you get the best treatment for acute COPD.
5. Heart Problems
When your heart is not working well, like in heart failure, it struggles to pump blood properly. This can make it harder for your body to get enough oxygen, causing shortness of breath. You might feel it more when you are active or lying down flat.
6. Respiratory Infections
Illnesses like a cold, bronchitis, or pneumonia can make it harder to breathe by causing swelling in your airways. This type of breathlessness usually gets better once the infection is gone.
7. Obesity or Being Out of Shape
Carrying extra weight or not moving around enough can put extra strain on your lungs. Simple activities like climbing stairs can leave you out of breath. Regular exercise and losing weight can make breathing easier over time.
8. Anemia
Anemia occurs when your body lacks enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to your tissues. This condition can leave you feeling breathless, even after minimal effort. Anemia often coincides with symptoms like fatigue, pale skin, and dizziness.
9. Pulmonary Embolism
A pulmonary embolism is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. It is where a blood clot blocks one or more arteries in the lungs. This can cause sudden, sharp episodes of difficulty breathing.
It is usually accompanied by chest pain and dizziness. A pulmonary embolism requires immediate medical attention.
10. Environmental Triggers
Air quality and environmental triggers can temporarily irritate your lungs and lead to shortness of breath. This includes pollen, smoke, or chemical fumes. These triggers are particularly problematic for people with respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD.
Knowing the root cause of your shortness of breath involves observing when and how frequently the episodes occur. Sometimes, a combination of factors may be at play, requiring professional evaluation.
How a Pulmonologist Can Help
A pulmonologist is a specialist in diagnosing and treating lung and respiratory disorders. Here is how they can help you:
Diagnosis and Testing
A pulmonologist will carry out a thorough evaluation. This includes a review of your medical history and a physical examination. Additional tests may be ordered to identify the exact cause of your symptoms. Some examples are a pulmonary function test (PFT), chest X-rays, or blood tests.
Personalized Treatment Plans
Once a diagnosis is made, a pulmonologist can create a treatment plan tailored to your condition. For example, let’s suppose asthma or COPD is the culprit. They may prescribe inhalers or medications to manage inflammation and improve airflow.
If an anxiety disorder is causing the issue, they might refer you to a mental health professional. They may also suggest techniques to manage stress.
Disease Management and Monitoring
A pulmonologist provides ongoing care for chronic conditions like asthma or COPD. Regular check-ins ensure your treatment plan is effective and adjusted as needed.
Do not ignore recurring or unexplained shortness of breath. Seeking help early can prevent potential complications and improve your quality of life.
Efficient Treatment for Occasional Shortness of Breath in Austin, TX
Shortness of breath that comes and goes can be unsettling. However, identifying the underlying cause is the first step toward finding relief.
At Austin Pulmonary, we specialize in helping individuals breathe easier. Our experienced pulmonologists provide personalized care. We will always ensure you receive the treatment you need to live comfortably. Call (512) 977-0123 for our Cedar Park and North Austin offices and (512) 441-9799 for our South Austin office. Alternatively, you can request a consultation. Do not wait—book a visit with the best pulmonologist near you.
We look forward to serving you!
Sources:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/16942-dyspnea
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/16942-dyspnea
https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/shortness-of-breath/basics/when-to-see-doctor/sym-20050890
