In today’s fast-paced and rapidly changing world, shortness of breath has become a common thing, but ignoring it can be very risky for your health. Many times people ignore it citing fatigue or age, but have you ever wondered why your breathing becomes short just by walking a short distance or climbing stairs?
This can be a sign of some disease, which if corrected in time, can prevent future problems and help in living a healthy life.
Possible reasons behind shortness of breath
heart problems
If your heart is not able to pump blood properly, the body does not get enough oxygen, which causes breathlessness. Heart failure, coronary artery disease and heart valve problems can be the reasons behind this. In these conditions, the patient may have trouble breathing even while walking or lying down.
Lung Diseases
The lungs work to take in oxygen and expel carbon dioxide. Any of these problems can cause breathlessness, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung infection or pneumonia can be the reasons behind it. If shortness of breath is accompanied by cough, chest tightness or wheezing, then it can be a sign of lung disease.
Anemia (blood deficiency)
When there is a deficiency of hemoglobin in the body, oxygen does not reach the body parts properly. This has a direct impact on breathing, which can lead to problems like early fatigue, dizziness and shortness of breath even after doing light work.
Obesity
When you are overweight, the body needs more oxygen. Also, pressure on the chest and lungs increases, making breathing difficult.
Thyroid
Thyroid hormone affects metabolism, which can cause heartbeat and shortness of breath.
When to understand that the matter is serious?
- Shortness of breath even at rest.
- Feeling pain or pressure in the chest.
- Blueness of lips or fingers.
- Persistent cough or bleeding.
- Suddenly feeling very weak.