How do you know when shortness of breath is serious?
Seek emergency medical care if your shortness of breath is accompanied by chest pain, fainting, nausea, a bluish tinge to lips or nails, or a change in mental alertness — as these may be signs of a heart attack or pulmonary embolism.
When should I be worried about breathlessness in pregnancy?
If breathlessness has come on suddenly, is worse at night or is accompanied by wheezing, it’s best to get checked out by a doctor without delay. Even if your GP or midwife has reassured you that nothing is wrong, breathlessness can still make you feel anxious.
How long does shortness of breath last in early pregnancy?
Shortness of breath in early pregnancy is caused by increased levels of progesterone. In the first trimester, it can be difficult to breathe as your body adjusts to new hormonal levels. This symptom might go away after a few weeks, then make a resurgence during the second or third trimester.
Does it get harder to breathe when pregnant?
As a normal part of pregnancy, your breathing may be affected by the increase in the hormone progesterone, which causes you to breathe in more deeply. This might make you feel as if you’re working harder to get air.
Can heart problems cause shortness of breath and dizziness?
Heart rhythm disorder Some heart rhythm disorders can cause a fluttering in the chest, shortness of breath, chest pain or dizziness. Atrial flutter Atrial flutter is an abnormality of the heart’s rhythm that causes rapid and sometimes irregular heartbeats.
Why do I have shortness of breath while lying down?
Sleep apnea is one of the most common reasons people have a shortness of breath while lying down. Often confused with mere snoring, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) causes shallow breaths or pauses in breathing while asleep.
Is it normal to feel short of breath all the time?
Usually, when something takes your breath away, it’s a good thing. But what if even basic tasks like walking a block or climbing a flight of stairs leaves you huffing and puffing? If you’re finding yourself feeling short of breath all the time, your body might be giving you a warning sign that something needs a physician’s attention.
Should I talk to my doctor about my shortness of breath?
Obviously you should discuss stubborn breathing troubles with a doctor — especially if you have other worrisome symptoms, like pain or trouble staying upright. In older patients who mostly feel short of breath during exercise, it’s much more likely to be a symptom of disease of the heart and/or lungs.