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Shortness of breath is a common health problem that can affect people of all ages and health conditions.In this article, we will discuss various aspects of shortness of breath, including its causes, diagnosis, and effective treatments.You will also learn how to deal with breathing problems and what are the most important issues regarding shortness of breath in children and SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus infection.
Shortness of breath – division of shortness of breath
Shortness of breath can be divided into several different types, depending on their characteristics and cause.The most common symptoms of shortness of breath are:
- Caused by physical exertion
- Caused by respiratory diseases
- Caused by diseases of the cardiovascular system
- Caused by stress and emotional states
Shortness of breath – causes of breathing difficulties
The causes of shortness of breath can be diverse and related to many factors.The most important of them are:
- Lung diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pneumonia
- Heart disease, including heart failure
- Respiratory infections, including COVID-19
- Allergies and allergic reactions
- Problems with the nervous system
- Obesity
- Smoking tobacco
- Exposure to toxins and air pollution
Shortness of breath in children – the most common causes of breathing problems in children
Shortness of breath in children may be the result of various factors, but the most common causes are:
- Respiratory infections such as bronchitis or laryngitis
- Pediatric asthma
- Allergic reactions
- Congenital heart defects
- ENT disorders
Shortness of breath in sars-cov-2 coronavirus infection
The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced new challenges related to shortness of breath, as many people infected with the coronavirus experience difficulty breathing.In the case of SARS-CoV-2 infection, shortness of breath may be caused by pneumonia and inflammation of the respiratory system.Quick diagnosis and treatment are necessary, which may include oxygen therapy and hospitalization.
Shortness of breath – what to do.first aid for breathing problems
If shortness of breath occurs, especially if it is sudden and life-threatening, you should act quickly.Here are some steps you can take as first aid:
- Call medical help (112) or go to the nearest hospital.
- If you are in the company of someone with shortness of breath, help them sit in a comfortable position, preferably leaning forward.
- If the person has medicine for shortness of breath (such as an inhaler), help them take it as directed by their doctor.
- Avoid panic and stress as these can worsen shortness of breath.
Shortness of breath – diagnosis
Diagnosing shortness of breath can be complicated and require various tests, depending on the suspected cause.The most commonly used diagnostic methods are:
- Physical examination
- Blood tests and gas analysis
- Chest X-ray
- Chest computed tomography
- Spirometry test
- ECG
- Echocardiography
Shortness of breath – treatment
Treatment of shortness of breath depends on its cause.In case of shortness of breath caused by respiratory diseases, your doctor may prescribe bronchodilators and also recommend inhalation therapy.For shortness of breath due to heart disease, treatment may include cardiac medications and rehabilitation.For COVID-19 patients, treatment may require oxygen therapy and hospitalization.
Your suggestions
If you have any suggestions on the topic of shortness of breath, we’d love to hear them.Remember that any information may be valuable to other readers who struggle with breathing problems.That’s why we encourage you to share your experiences and advice regarding shortness of breath.
Recommended articles
If you want to learn more about shortness of breath and related issues, we recommend reading the following articles:
- “How to deal with asthma – advice and treatment”
- “Heart failure – symptoms, diagnosis and treatment”
- “COVID-19 – the most important information and safety rules”
Shortness of breath is a serious health problem that can be caused by various factors.It is important to understand its causes, undertake appropriate diagnosis and consult a doctor for effective treatment.At the same time, remember that proper prevention and a healthy lifestyle can help avoid shortness of breath and improve our overall health.