Short breath or also known as diSpnea is a condition in which somebody difficulty for breathe.This feeling of suffocation and chest tightness can caused by several things, such as disorders of the heart and lungs or physical activity which heavy.
As mentioned above, shortness of breath can occur due to problems with heart or lung health. The reason is, the lungs and heart are organs that function to release carbon dioxide and distribute oxygen to your body's tissues. If there is a disturbance in these organs, then you can feel shortness of breath.
Short Breath Caused by Heart Problem
Here are some heart problems that can cause shortness of breath:- Heart diseaseAny condition that affects the heart and its ability to pump blood can cause shortness of breath. Usually, shortness of breath due to heart disease can be accompanied by chest pain.
- Heart failureHeart failure occurs when the heart becomes so swollen that it is unable to pump blood around the body normally. As a result, the body's cells do not get the oxygen and nutrients they need. Symptoms of heart failure can include shortness of breath, especially after activities or lying down, fatigue, swelling, and coughing.
- ArrhythmiaShortness of breath can also be a sign of arrhythmias, which are problems with the heart rhythm. Arrhythmias occur when the electrical activity that regulates the heartbeat doesn't work properly, causing the heart to beat too fast, too slowly, or irregularly. This condition can hinder the smooth supply of blood throughout the body.
- heart valve diseaseThe heart has four valves that allow blood to flow in the right direction. In some cases, one or more valves do not open or close properly. As a result, the system of blood flow to and from the heart becomes disrupted.
- CardiomyopathyCardiomyopathy or heart muscle disorders is a condition in which the heart muscle becomes wide, thickened, or stiff. This disease can affect the heart's ability to pump blood throughout the body. Shortness of breath is one of the symptoms of cardiomyopathy.
Short Breath Caused by Lung Disorders
In addition to heart problems, shortness of breath can also be caused by several lung disorders, for example:- AsthmaShortness of breath can also be experienced by people with asthma. When relapsed, this disease causes the airways to narrow with the formation of excess mucus in the airways. This causes asthmatics to have difficulty breathing, coughing, and wheezing.
- PneumoniaPneumonia, which can attack one or both lungs, is caused by a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection. This condition makes the lung tissue inflamed, and there is a buildup of mucus or pus. Symptoms of this disease can include shortness of breath, fever, and cough.
- Pulmonary edemaShortness of breath can also be a sign that you have pulmonary edema, a condition caused by excess fluid in the lungs. This fluid collects in the air sacs in the lungs, making it difficult for the sufferer to breathe.
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)COPD is a lung disease that can also cause shortness of breath. This happens because the lungs are permanently damaged so they can't work properly.
- PneumothoraxPneumothorax is a condition that occurs when excess air enters the pleural space, the cavity between the chest wall and the lungs. When the air pressure in the pleural cavity increases, it becomes difficult for the lungs to expand. As a result, you may experience chest pain and shortness of breath.
In addition to the various diseases above, shortness of breath can also be caused by anemia, acidosis, pregnancy, panic attacks, being overweight, or after doing strenuous physical activity.
Given that shortness of breath can be caused by many causes, this symptom needs to be consulted by a doctor. If you or your relatives experience shortness of breath suddenly and do not improve in some time, immediately take them to the emergency department at the nearest hospital.
