Medical Health Encyclopedia

Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test Special Topic
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T U V W Y
Lungs Emphysema
Overview Treatment
Breathing difficulty
Alternative Names: Shortness of breath; Breathlessness; Difficulty breathing; Dyspnea Home Care: Breathing difficulty, whether sudden or long term, should always be taken seriously. Though many causes are harmless and are easily corrected, any difficulty breathing requires a thorough medical evaluation. Text Continues Below Follow prescribed therapy to treat the underlying cause. Call your health care provider if: Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if difficulty breathing comes on suddenly or seriously interferes with breathing, or if someone completely stops breathing. Call your provider if any of the following accompany breathing difficulties: Chest discomfort Shortness of breath after only slight exertion or while at rest Shortness of breath that wakes you up at night or requires you to sleep propped up to aid breathing Wheezing (may be an indication of asthma or early emphysema) Having inhaled or choked on an object (foreign object aspiration or ingestion) Tightness in the throat or a barking, croupy cough Development of a fever or a significant cough What to expect at your health care provider's office: Your health care provider will take a detailed medical history and perform a physical examination. Medical history questions documenting breathing difficulty may include the following: Do you notice shortness of breath? Do you make grunting sounds while breathing? Do you seem to be having to work hard to breathe? How long has the difficulty been present? Did it slowly progress over weeks to months? Did it begin recently? Did it begin suddenly? Did it come on slowly (gradual onset)? Is there a sequence of separate occurrences (episodes)? How long does each last, and does each episode have a similar pattern? Has the breathing difficulty worsened recently? Does breathing difficulty cause you to awaken at night (paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea)? Does the amount of breathing difficulty change (variable over hours)? Does breathing difficulty occur at rest? How long does each episode last? Is it worse when lying flat (orthopnea)? Is it worse with a change in body position? Did it develop within 4 to 6 hours after exposure to something that you are or may be allergic to (antigen)? Is it worse after exercise? Does shortness of breath occur only when wheezing? Is the breathing pattern irregular? Do you draw back the chest muscles with breathing (intercostal retractions)? What other symptoms are also present? Page:  1 | 2 | Next >>