When to seek emergency care: Sudden severe breathlessness, chest pain, coughing up blood, fainting or bluish lips need emergency medical care. Please call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department.
What is Breathlessness?
Breathlessness, or dyspnoea, is the uncomfortable sensation of not being able to get enough air. It may be sudden (acute) or develop gradually over weeks to months (chronic).
It can arise from lung disease, heart conditions, anaemia, thyroid problems, obesity, deconditioning or anxiety — and often more than one factor contributes. A careful, systematic evaluation is the key to the right treatment.
Common symptoms
- Shortness of breath on exertion or at rest
- Needing to stop while walking or climbing stairs
- Breathlessness when lying flat or waking up breathless at night
- Associated cough, wheeze, chest pain or leg swelling
Possible causes & risk factors
- Asthma and COPD
- Interstitial lung disease
- Pleural effusion or pneumothorax
- Pneumonia and other infections
- Heart disease, pulmonary embolism or pulmonary hypertension
- Anaemia, obesity, deconditioning or anxiety
When should you consult a pulmonologist?
- Breathlessness that is new, progressive or unexplained
- Reduced ability to perform daily activities
- Breathlessness with cough, wheeze, swelling or weight loss
Diagnostic investigations
Your evaluation is tailored to your symptoms and history. It may include:
- Clinical examination and oxygen saturation
- Chest X-ray and CT scan when indicated
- Spirometry, lung volumes and DLCO
- Six-minute walk test
- Cardiopulmonary exercise testing in selected cases
- ECG, echocardiography and blood tests as appropriate
Available treatment approaches
- Treatment of the underlying cause
- Inhaled medicines for airway disease
- Drainage of pleural fluid or air where present
- Pulmonary rehabilitation and breathing techniques
- Oxygen therapy when clinically required
- Coordinated care with cardiology and other specialties when needed
Treatment is individualised. The options above are general information; your doctor will recommend what is appropriate for you after assessment. Outcomes vary from person to person.
Frequently asked questions
No. Heart conditions, anaemia, thyroid disease, obesity and reduced fitness can all cause breathlessness. Testing helps to identify the main cause.
