SHORTNESS OF BREATH

             

  * Definition of Shortness of breath :-

            Shortness of breath or breathlessness is described as the hunger of oxygen in our body or feeling hunger of oxygen or feel suffocated . The medical term for shortness of breath is dyspnea .

             The American Thoracic Society Defines Shortness of breath as " A subjective experience of breathing discomfort that consists of qualitatively distinct sensation that vary in intensity ."

    * Other names of Shortness of breath is :-

               SOB , Dyspnea , Dyspnoea , Breathlessness , Difficulty of Breathing , Respiratory Distress - which may be either acute or chronic .  

    * Symptoms Of Shortness of Breath :-

                Due to overexertion in otherwise healthy people .

                Dyspnea can happen as a result of overexertion , spending time at high altitude , or as a symptom of a range of conditions.

    * Signs of Shortness of Breath :-

                 Signs of any condition that a person is experiencing dyspnea or SOB include -

                  ✓ Shortness of breath after exertion or due to a medical condition .

                  ✓ Feeling suffocated as a result of breathing difficulties .

                  ✓ Labored breathing .

                  ✓ Rapid or shallow breathing .

                  ✓ Heart palpitations .

                  ✓ Wheezing

                  ✓ Coughing

                 • If dyspnea occurs suddenly or if symptoms are severe , it may be a sign of a serious medical condition . 

 * Causes of Shortness of breath :-

            SOB is generally caused by disorders of the cardiac or respiratory system , other systems such as neurological, musculoskeletal , endocrine , hematologic and psychiatric .

            Causes are 2 type . One is Acute and another is chronic .

   ° Acute causes :- 

           If shortness of breath starts suddenly, it is called as acute case of dyspnea . Acute dyspnea could be due to :- 

       • Asthma 

       • Anxiety 

       • Pneumonia 

       • Choking on or inhaling something that blocks breathing passageways .

       • Allergic relations 

       • Anaemia , Serious loss of blood which is resulting in Anaemia .

       • Exposure to dangerous level of carbon monoxide.

       • Heart failure

       • Hypotension ,which is low blood pressure.

      • Pulmonary Embolism , which is a blood clot in an artery to the lungs.

      • Collapsed lung

      • Hital hernia

     Dyspnea is also common among people with a terminal illness.

   ° Chronic Causes :-

       If a person experiences shortness of breath for over a month , the condition is called chronic dyspnea. Chronicles c dyspnea could be due to :-

       • Asthma  

       • COPD 

       • Heart problems 

       • Obesity

       • Interstitional Pulmonary Fibrosis, which is a disease that causes scaring of the lung tissue.

  * Complications of SOB :-

         SOB or dyspnea can be associated with hypoxia or hypoxemia , which is a low blood oxygen level .This can lead to a decreased level of consciousness and other sever symptoms .

          If dyspnea is severe and continues for sometime , there is  a risk of either temporary or permanent cognitive impairment .

   * When to see a Doctor :-

           Sometimes Shortness of Breath can be a sign of a life - threatening condition.

           Emergency medical treatment is needed if an individual has any of these symptoms -

           • Sudden onset of sever dyspnea.

           • Loss of ability to function due to shortness of breath .

           • Chest pain 

           • Nausea 

           In every cases dyspnea no need immediate medical treatment , but shortness of breath can indicate serious medical problem .

           Medical advice is needed if an individual experiences -

           • A change in their ability to breath .

           • Increasing limits on their activities due to breathing problems .

           • Difficulty breathing when lying down.

           • Fever , chills and cough 

           • Wheezing 

  * Diagnosis :- 

         Doctor will usually be able to diagnose dyspnea based on a complete physical examination of the person , along with a full description of their experiences . 

         Doctor may use chest X-ray and Computed Tomography (CT) to evaluate the health of the person's heart , lungs and related systems .

         An Electrocardiogram (ECG) may help to show any signs of a heart attack or other electrical problem in the heart .

        Spirometry tests to measure airflow and the patients lung capacity . This can help to pinpoint the type and the extent of an individuals breathing problems .

   * Treatment :-

                                Self Treatment

       Avoiding smoking , secondhand smoke , losing weight and exercising regularly may help . Some tips are given below :-

      ( i ) Pursed - lip breathing :-

                   This is a simple way to control shortness of breath . It helps quickly slow your pace of breathing , which makes each breath deeper and more effective .

      ( ii ) Sitting forward :-

                    Sit in a chair with your feet flat on the floor , leaning your chest slightly . 

                    Gently rest your elbows on your knees or hold your chin with your hands . Remember to keep your neck and shoulder muscles relaxed . 

        (iii)  Sitting forward supported by a table :-

                        If you have both a chair and a table to use you may find this to be a slightly more comfortable . 

                        • Sit in a chair with your feet flat on the floor , facing a table .

                        • Lean your chest slightly forward and rest your arms on the table .

                        • Rest your head on your forearms or on a pillow . 

        (iv) Standing with supported back :-

                         Standing can also help relax your body and airways -

                        • Stand near a way , facing away , and rest your hips on the wall .

                        • Keep your feet - shoulder width apart and rest your hands on your thighs .

                        • With your shoulders relaxed , lean slightly forward and dangle your arms in front of you .

          (v) Standing with supported arms :-

                        • Stand near a table or other flat ,sturdy piece of furniture that is just below the height of your shoulder .

                       • Rest your elbows or hands on the piece of furniture , keeping your neck relaxed . 

                       • Rest your head on your forearms and relax your shoulder . 

          (vi) Sleeping in a relaxed position :-

                       Try lying on your side with a pillow between your legs and your head elevated by pillows , keeping your back straight or lie on your back with your head elevated and your knees bent , with a pillow under your knees . 

          (vii) Using a fan :-

                       Cool air can help relieve shortness of breath . 

          (viii) Drinking Coffee :-

                        An early study indicated that caffeine relaxes the muscles in the airway of people's SOB .

 * Lifestyle changes to treat SOB :-

               Lifestyle changes you can make to help SOB at may include :-

         ✓ Quitting smoking and avoiding tobacco smoke .

         ✓ Avoiding exposure  to pollutants , allergens and environmental toxins . 

         ✓ Losing weight if you have obesity or overweight .

         ✓ Avoiding exertion at high elevations.

         ✓ Staying healthy by eating well .

         ✓ Getting enough sleep and seeing a doctor for any underlying medical issues . 

     * Prevention of SOB :-

          You may prevent or relieve SOB on your own . Helpful steps may include :- Avoiding inhaling chemicals that can irritate your lungs . Practicing breathing and relaxation techniques to improve your breathing function .