Shortness of breath is a constant feeling of not getting enough oxygen. This can have many causes. More and more people are suffering from this symptom, for example after surviving a corona infection. When should those affected seek medical help and what helps?
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If you get out of breath during a steep mountain hike or a short sprint, you don’t have to worry. Shortness of breath and shortness of breath are normal responses to physical exertion. However, if the symptoms also occur during moderate physical exertion, for example when climbing stairs or at rest, this should be clarified by a doctor.
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What is shortness of breath?
Experts understand shortness of breath as the oppressive feeling of only being able to breathe with effort. This can manifest itself in different ways. Affected people usually breathe very quickly and shallowly. Add to this the urge to inhale before the exhalation is fully completed. Despite strained breathing, it is difficult to breathe deeply.
At more pronounced shortness of breath (dyspnoea), those affected often feel afraid of not getting enough air. This Panic makes the shortness of breath worse. Depending on the cause, the breathing problems can vary from symptoms such as Cough, dizziness, inner unrest, tachycardia or one Feeling of pressure in the chest area to be accompanied.
What causes shortness of breath?
There are many causes of shortness of breath. In addition to physical exertion, breathing problems often occur in very stressful situations, such as before a difficult exam. In this case, the symptoms disappear after a short time. However, shortness of breath can also indicate a variety of diseases. It is a typical symptom of lung disease, heart disease and mental illness.
Diseases that are often associated with shortness of breath:
But shortness of breath is not always caused by illness. People who do very little physical activity or overweight are also prone to shortness of breath. Also during the pregnancy shortness of breath is not uncommon. As the abdomen grows, the uterus and the baby put more and more pressure on the diaphragm, which means that the lungs of the pregnant woman have less and less space and it is difficult to breathe properly.
Shortness of breath and long-COVID
Some people suffer from the Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 persistent symptoms known as long-COVID. This includes chronic ones difficulty breathing. According to the S1 guideline “Long-/Post-COVID”, every third person reports shortness of breath, shortness of breath or tightness in the chest. Lung function remains severely restricted, especially in the case of severe disease progression.
Experts explain this by saying that the coronavirus affects almost all areas of the lungs and destroys the cells in the alveoli responsible for gas exchange, causing scarring of the lung tissue and impaired lung function. However, persistent changes in the lungs are rare. Most changes regress completely.
However, persistent shortness of breath after a corona infection can have other causes. The viruses can cause inflammation throughout the body and affect the heart muscle, for example, which then indirectly leads to breathing problems.
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When should shortness of breath be clarified by a doctor?
Shortness of breath can have many different causes, which are not always harmless. If the symptoms occur more frequently or last longer, they should therefore be clarified by a doctor.
In addition, a visit to the doctor’s office should not be delayed in the following cases:
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Shortness of breath occurs more frequently and at shorter intervals
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breathing problems at rest
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Additional discomfort in the chest area, for example pressure on the chest or tachycardia
Chest pain, blue discoloration of the lips, and very pale skin can also indicate a life-threatening cause such as a Heart attack or indicate a pulmonary embolism. This is an emergency that requires immediate medical attention.
Diagnosis: Tests for shortness of breath
To diagnose the shortness of breath, a detailed survey is carried out first. It is of interest, for example, whether the patient smokes, suffers from allergies or has other previous illnesses. The subsequent physical examination focuses primarily on the lungs and heart, which are listened to for noises. Additional swelling of the legs can indicate heart failure or a blood clot (Thrombosis) be in the leg.
Other tests that can help identify the cause of shortness of breath include:
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measurement of oxygen saturation of the blood using a sensor on a finger (pulse oximetry)
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X-rays of the chest to detect a collapsed lung, pneumonia or other heart and lung diseases
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Electrocardiogram (EKG) of the heart to check blood flow
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lung function teststo better assess the performance of the lungs
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stress tests (like the six-minute walk test)
In addition, the doctor can order additional diagnostic tests for the further assessment of heart or lung diseases.
How is shortness of breath treated?
Treatment for shortness of breath depends on the underlying condition. For lung diseases like Asthma bronchial or COPD For example, drugs are often prescribed that expand the bronchi. These alleviate the symptoms, but cannot cure the diseases causally.
In addition, one Atemtherapie are recommended. This treatment includes various exercises and techniques that can be used to strengthen the respiratory muscles and train lung function.
If the oxygen saturation of the blood is very low, those affected often receive additional oxygen. A distinction is made between invasive and non-invasive ventilation:
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Non-invasive ventilation: The oxygen is administered via a mask or a plastic hood.
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Invasive Beatmung: Oxygen is administered via a breathing tube that is inserted into the trachea (intubation).
In addition, morphine supplements can reduce the feeling of shortness of breath. They are used in the severe form of shortness of breath and administered intravenously.
Self-help measures to relieve shortness of breath
In the case of occasional shortness of breath, some measures in everyday life are helpful. For example, the following tips can help relieve shortness of breath:
- Open the window and get some fresh air
- Distracted by music, a movie, or a book
- Breathing and relaxation exercises
- Comfortable, loose clothing
- Elevation of the chest with several pillows
- Cooling of the face, especially the area around the nose
Helpful body position for shortness of breath
Furthermore, certain body positions, such as the coach seat, help to make breathing easier if you are short of breath. Those affected sit slightly apart on the front half of a chair and support themselves with their elbows on their knees or a table. The abdominal muscles are relaxed.
Breath control through rectangular breathing
In the case of shortness of breath and acute shortness of breath, it is important to breathe slowly and consciously. To do this, it can make sense to get into a comfortable position and concentrate on a rectangle in the room, such as a door or the television. While the eyes follow the edges, always breathe in on the short sides and breathe out on the long sides. Slow down and take breaks at the corners.
Pursed lip for shortness of breath
The so-called pursed lip has also proven its worth, especially for patients with COPD or asthma. With the breathing technique, the air is inhaled through the nose and through the pursed, slightly open mouth with a “sss”. or “pff” sound controlled and exhaled slowly. The advantage: the airways remain wide and the lungs are completely emptied so that new, oxygen-rich air can be taken in.
Can shortness of breath be prevented?
To prevent shortness of breath, a healthy lifestyle is recommended. Crucial factors that should be adhered to are:
In addition, if there are signs of breathing problems, a doctor should be consulted in good time so that the causes can be clarified and treated.
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