Shortness of breath as an alarming symptom of many diseases of various organ systems. Shortness of breath when walking. Severe shortness of breath when walking: causes, treatment

The causes of shortness of breath can be different and do not always indicate the presence of pathology. Normally, it can manifest itself in people who lead a sedentary lifestyle, with significant physical exertion. Pathological shortness of breath is accompanied by heart disease, pulmonary disease, as well as anemia and osteochondrosis. In pregnant women, shortness of breath may occur due to the characteristics of this period or pathologies of the same organs and systems as in the normal state.

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  Physiology of the process

  Shortness of breath is a violation of breathing, accompanied by a change in its depth and frequency. It becomes superficial and rapid, which is a manifestation of a compensatory mechanism in response to oxygen deficiency.

  Shortness of breath that occurs when inhaling is called inspiratory, while exhaling - expiratory. It can be mixed, that is, felt both when inhaling and when exhaling. Subjectively felt as a lack of air, a feeling of pressure in the chest.

  Shortness of breath can appear in an adult and is normal, then it is called physiological. Occurs in the following cases:

  • with excessive physical exertion, especially if before that the person led a sedentary lifestyle;
  • at high altitudes under hypoxic conditions;
  • in closed rooms where there is a large amount of carbon dioxide.

  Physiological shortness of breath quickly passes if physical inactivity is eliminated, the load is gradually increased when playing sports, and adapt to high altitudes.

  If the symptom persists for a long time and creates discomfort, it may signal the presence of a serious illness. In this case, it is necessary to take measures to identify and treat it. Depending on the cause of occurrence, several types of pathological shortness of breath are distinguished:

  • cardiac;
  • pulmonary;
  • shortness of breath due to anemia.

  Shortness of breath can occur in acute, subacute and chronic forms, appear suddenly and disappear instantly, or be a constant symptom and the main complaint of the patient. For diagnosis and treatment, you can contact specialists such as a general practitioner, cardiologist, pulmonologist or family doctor.

  Cardiac dyspnea

  Occurs as a result of pathology of the heart, has a chronic course. It is one of the most important symptoms of heart disease. Depending on its type, duration and cause of occurrence (degree of physical activity), it is possible to determine the stages of heart failure.

  The reasons that can cause this pathology:

  • acute coronary syndrome;
  • cardiomyopathy;
  • myocarditis;
  • hemopericardium;
  • pericarditis;
  • heart defects (acquired and congenital);
  • heart failure.

  Cardiac dyspnea is most common in the elderly, but it also occurs in young people, especially men.

  

  Heart failure

  Heart failure is a pathology in which, due to certain reasons, the heart cannot pump the necessary volume of blood. In most cases, it develops under the following conditions:

  • ischemic heart disease;
  • restrictive cardiomyopathy;
  • bradycardia;
  • arterial hypertension;
  • constructive pericarditis;
  • pulmonary hypertension;
  • heart defects.
  
  

  The mechanism is associated with the pathology of blood ejection, which leads to malnutrition of brain tissues and congestion in the lungs. Ventilation conditions change, gas exchange is disturbed. Shortness of breath may be absent in the first stages of the disease. Further, as the pathology progresses, it appears with strong loads, later - with weak and even at rest.

  Additional symptoms are:

  • coughing up blood;
  • night cough;
  • bluish tint of the skin (cyanosis);
  • orthopnea (increased breathing in a horizontal position);
  • increased urine production at night;
  • swelling.

  

  Acute coronary syndrome

  Acute coronary syndrome is a group of symptoms and signs that suggest a myocardial infarction or unstable angina. These diseases have similar pathogenetic mechanisms, which makes it difficult to differentiate them at the initial stage.

  This condition appears when:

  • thrombosis of the coronary arteries;
  • atherosclerosis;
  • insufficient supply of myocardial oxygen.

  The symptoms are:

  • chest pains radiating to the left shoulder, arm or lower jaw;
  • shortness of breath, including at rest;
  • feeling of heaviness in the chest;
  • fainting.
  
  

  The ECG helps to differentiate these two diseases. The first aid when symptoms appear is the use of nitroglycerin (under the tongue).

  Heart defects

  They are pathological changes in the structures of the body, leading to impaired blood flow. The symptoms are:

  • cyanosis;
  • dyspnea;
  • skin blanching;
  • headache;
  • lag in physical development;
  • loss of consciousness.

  

  Acquired heart defects include disorders of the valvular apparatus or large vessels

  Heart defects are completely treated only by surgical methods.

  Cardiomyopathy

  A disease characterized by damage to the heart and its hypertrophy (an increase in the volume of muscle cells). Clinical manifestations are not specific for this disease, so patients often do not go to the doctor.

  
  

  Other pathologies

  Other causes of shortness of breath may include:

  • Myocarditis. In this case, the myocardium is damaged, mainly by inflammation. The disease is accompanied by pain in the sternum, shortness of breath and weakness, dizziness.
  • Pericarditis. Inflammatory damage to the pericardium. Similar to myocarditis, accompanied by prolonged pain in the sternum, which, unlike acute coronary syndrome, does not subside when taking nitroglycerin.
  
  

  Pulmonary dyspnea

  Pulmonary dyspnea is a disorder of the depth and frequency of breathing that appears in diseases of the respiratory system. There are obstacles to the passage of air rushing into the alveoli, there is insufficient oxygenation.

  The pulmonary type of shortness of breath appears with inflammatory diseases of the lung parenchyma, the presence of foreign bodies, or other pathologies of the respiratory system. The most common conditions are:

  • chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD);
  • emphysema;
  • pneumonia;
  • bronchial asthma;
  • pneumothorax;
  • pulmonary embolism;
  • aspiration;
  • hemothorax.

  COPD

  It is characterized by reversible (partial) and progressive obstruction of airflow into the respiratory tract.

  The disease is in 3rd place in the world in terms of mortality. This is the most common pathology of all respiratory diseases.

  The reasons are:

  • smoking;
  • air pollution by various harmful substances;
  • bronchial infections (often recurring);
  • frequent respiratory tract infections in childhood.
  
  

  Main symptoms:

  • chronic cough;
  • purulent viscous sputum;
  • dyspnea.

  Shortness of breath occurs as a result of an inflammatory process that affects lung structures and leads to airway obstruction.

  Emphysema

  Irreversible expansion of the airspace of the bronchioles due to changes in their alveolar walls. The main causes are COPD or alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Under the influence of inflammation during breathing, excess air remains in the lungs, provoking their overstretching.

  The stretched area cannot function normally, as a result of which there is a violation of the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Shortness of breath occurs as a leveling mechanism in order to improve the excretion of the latter.

  The main symptoms of emphysema are:

  • copious sputum;
  • cough;
  • cyanosis (cyanosis);
  • dyspnea;
  • barrel chest;
  • expansion of the spaces between the ribs.

  Bronchial asthma

  A chronic disease of the respiratory tract, which is characterized by attacks of suffocation. This disease affects about 5-10% of the population.

  The reasons for the development of AD include:

  • hereditary factor;
  • allergic reactions;
  • negative environmental factors;
  • professional reasons.
  
  

  Under the influence of provoking factors, an increased reaction to irritation of the bronchial tree occurs, a large amount of mucus is released, and a spasm of smooth muscles occurs. This leads to reversible bronchial obstruction and resulting attacks of shortness of breath. The latter develops against the background of the fact that the obstruction becomes more pronounced during exhalation and a sufficient volume of air remains in the lungs, which leads to their stretching.

  The manifestations of AD are:

  • feeling of discomfort in the chest;
  • sputum;
  • panic;
  • periodic episodes of shortness of breath.

  Asthma is a chronic disease. Treatment cannot completely eliminate its causes, but it helps to improve the quality of life of patients.

  Acute and chronic pneumonia

  Inflammation of the lungs affecting the alveoli or interstitial tissue. It is caused by various microorganisms, therefore it refers to infectious diseases. The most common pathogens:

  • streptococci;
  • pneumococci;
  • mycoplasma;
  • respiratory viruses;
  • legionella;
  • staphylococci.

  The causative agent enters the respiratory tract from other foci of infection or by inhalation, as well as after medical procedures. There is a multiplication of pathogens in the epithelium of the bronchi with the spread of the inflammatory process to the lungs.

  The alveoli involved in pathological processes do not participate in oxygen intake and cause the following symptoms:

  • dyspnea;
  • chest pain;
  • weakness;
  • malaise;
  • cough;
  • temperature rise.
  
  

  Pneumonia can also occur in an atypical form - with dry cough, fever, myalgia.

  Pneumothorax

  Pathology is an accumulation of fluid in the chest cavity. Pneumothorax can be open and closed - depending on whether there is communication with the environment.

  
  

  There are the following types:

  • Spontaneous pneumothorax. Caused by rupture of blisters in emphysema.
  • Injury (when the chest is injured or a fracture of the ribs).
  • Iatrogenic pneumothorax, which is associated with medical care. Appears after pleural puncture, subclavian vein catheterization, or chest surgery.

  As a result of the above factors, air enters the pleural cavity, pressure increases and the lung collapses.

  Clinical manifestations are:

  • asymmetric chest movements;
  • coughing fits;
  • feeling that the person begins to suffocate;
  • pale skin with a bluish tint.

  Hemothorax

  The accumulation of blood in the pleural cavity, which causes compression of the lung, makes breathing difficult, and contributes to the displacement of organs. Caused by the following factors:

  • medical manipulations in traumatology;
  • aortic aneurysm;
  • some pathologies (tuberculosis, abscess).
  
  

  The clinical picture depends on the degree of squeezing of the organs. The signs are:

  • chest pain;
  • shortness of breath (it is difficult for the patient to breathe);
  • tachycardia (rapid heartbeat);
  • pallor;
  • fainting;
  • forced adoption of a sitting or semi-sitting position.

  Pulmonary embolism

  Blockage of the lumen of the artery of the lung by emboli. Emboli can be:

  • adipose tissue;
  • air;
  • thrombus;
  • malignant tumor cells.
  
  
  • tachycardia;
  • severe chest pain;
  • dyspnea;
  • fainting;
  • cough;
  • hemoptysis.

  Can lead to pulmonary infarction, acute heart failure and death.

  Aspiration

  A condition that is characterized by the penetration of foreign bodies into the respiratory tract. Accompanied by the following symptoms:

  • sharp cough;
  • loss of consciousness;
  • suffocation;
  • noisy breathing with expiratory dyspnea.

  With the development of this condition, it is necessary to immediately call for medical help to prevent respiratory arrest. An effective way to remove fluid or a foreign body is bronchoscopy.

  Shortness of breath with anemia

  Anemia is a decrease in hematocrit, hemoglobin, or red blood cells. It can be both a separate disease and a symptom.

  The most common is iron deficiency anemia.

  
  

  Shortness of breath develops as a result of the fact that pathological processes occur in the body: the formation of red blood cells, the synthesis of hemoglobin are disturbed, and hypoxia intensifies.

  The reasons

  Anemia is the result of a large number of factors that are characterized by different mechanisms of action, but similar symptoms. The most common reasons are:

  Nutrient deficiency

  It develops for the following reasons:

  • vegetarian diet;
  • diet on dairy products;
  • poor quality food due to low incomes.

  In the case of a lack of vitamins B12 and B9, a violation of the process of synthesis of nucleic acids occurs. Because of this, cell activity is inhibited and anemic syndrome develops.

  Iron deficiency causes a violation of the formation of hemoglobin, which transports oxygen to the cells. Hypoxia and related symptoms develop.

  Malabsorption of substances

  Some nutrients are in the required amount in the diet, but some pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract do not allow them to be absorbed. This happens under the following conditions:

  • malabsorption syndrome;
  • resection of the proximal part of the small intestine;
  • resection of the stomach;
  • chronic enteritis.

  Increased need for nutrients

  In some periods of life, a person most strongly needs certain substances. Even if they enter the body and are absorbed, they still cannot cover all the needs of the body. This occurs during hormonal changes, intensive processes of growth and cell division.

  These periods include:

  • pregnancy;
  • lactation;
  • teenage years.

  Bleeding

  With large blood loss, a significant decrease in the number of red blood cells occurs, as a result, anemia develops. The danger is that in this case it becomes acute and can threaten the life of the patient. The reasons may be:

  • profuse menstruation;
  • blood donation;
  • bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract due to ulcers;
  • trauma;
  • violation of hemostasis;
  • taking medications.

  Taking medications

  Sometimes anemia can develop as a side effect of medication. This happens when they are inadequately prescribed without taking into account the patient's condition or when taking medications for a long period. Medications that can cause anemia include:

  • antiviral, antimalarial, antiepileptic drugs;
  • antipsychotic medications;
  • antibiotics.

  Any drugs must be taken under the supervision of the attending physician and after laboratory diagnosis.

  • necatorosis;
  • ascariasis;
  • hookworm;
  • cysticercosis.

  In these cases, helminths multiply in the intestines, which use certain substances for their life activity, creating their deficiency.

  Some other causes of anemia include:

  • Oncology. In a tumor, the development of anemia has a complex mechanism. It may manifest as a result of massive blood loss, lack of appetite, or the use of certain anticancer drugs with a strong effect.
  • Intoxication. Anemia can occur in case of benzene or lead poisoning. A violation of the synthesis of porphyrins and damage to the bone marrow develops.
  • genetic factor. Anomalies that can lead to anemia in this case include: a violation of the structure of hemoglobin, enzymopathies, a defect in the erythrocyte membrane.

  Pregnancy

  Shortness of breath during pregnancy mainly develops in its second half and has a physiological nature. Occurs for the following reasons:

  • The compensatory mechanism is the process of adaptation of the body to an increased need for oxygen due to changes occurring in the respiratory system.
  • Hormonal changes - can also affect the appearance of shortness of breath. Progesterone stimulates the respiratory center, promoting pulmonary ventilation.
  • Increase in fetal weight. As the pregnancy progresses and the fetus develops, the gradually enlarging uterus begins to put pressure on the organs, including the diaphragm, which leads to breathing problems.

  If shortness of breath appears after walking, climbing stairs, the expectant mother should rest. Pregnant women are advised to do breathing exercises to prevent pathologies.

  There are the following causes of pathological shortness of breath in pregnant women:

  • Anemia is a common condition during pregnancy associated with impaired hemoglobin synthesis. It is necessary to monitor its level in order to prevent the development of pathology.
  • Smoking - damage to the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract occurs, atherosclerotic plaques accumulate on the walls of blood vessels, which contributes to circulatory disorders.
  • Stress - is a factor contributing to an increase in the frequency of breathing and heart rate.
  • Diseases of the respiratory system, heart and blood vessels.

  In pathological conditions, shortness of breath is accompanied by the following symptoms:

  • cough;
  • pallor and cyanosis;
  • malaise;
  • hyperthermia;
  • dizziness;
  • disturbance of consciousness;
  • headache.

  Shortness of breath with osteochondrosis

  Sometimes shortness of breath occurs with osteochondrosis of the cervical and thoracic regions. It is characterized by the following reasons:

  • reduction of space between the vertebrae;
  • displacement of the vertebrae;
  • squeezing of blood vessels;
  • pinched nerve roots;
  • chest deformity.
  

  It is often mistaken for a symptom of lung or heart disease, making timely diagnosis difficult.

  Shortness of breath in a child

  Shortness of breath in children is caused by the same reasons as in adults. The child's body is more sensitive to pathologies and reacts to the slightest changes.

  Normally, the respiratory rate in children of each age group is different:

  Violation of this norm can be a symptom of a serious illness. If shortness of breath occurs in a child, you need to contact a pediatrician or cardiologist. The reasons may be as follows:

  • allergy;
  • rhinitis (leads to shortness of breath with difficulty passing air through the respiratory tract);
  • bronchial asthma;
  • viral infections;
  • heart disease (manifested by developmental delay and cyanosis);
  • lung diseases;
  • ingress of a foreign body (requires urgent treatment);
  • hyperventilation syndrome, manifested by stress or high levels of carbon dioxide in the blood;
  • obesity;
  • cystic fibrosis - a genetic pathology characterized by a violation of the activity of the glands;
  • excessive physical activity;
  • diseases of the immune system;
  • hormone imbalance.

  Diagnostics

  With cardiac dyspnea, the following examination methods are prescribed:

  • physical examination;
  • general analysis of blood and urine, biochemical analysis;
  • radiography, CT, MRI;
  • electrocardiography;
  • coronary angiography.

  The collection of anamnesis includes information such as: the characteristics of shortness of breath and its intensity, hereditary factor, the presence of chronic heart disease, the time of onset of shortness of breath, dependence on body position and physical activity.

  A general blood test reveals the following abnormalities:

  • Hemoglobin is lowered. This suggests that there is a lack of oxygen in the myocardial tissue.
  • Leukocytes are increased. This phenomenon means the presence of an infectious process in the body, the cause of which is myocarditis, pericarditis, infective endocarditis.
  • Erythrocytes are lowered - characteristic of chronic heart disease.
  • Platelets are elevated (a sign appears when the blood vessels are blocked) or lowered (marked with bleeding).
  • ESR (non-specific factor of the inflammatory process) is increased, which occurs when the heart is damaged by an infection, myocardial infarction, rheumatism.

  Pulmonary shortness of breath is diagnosed by the following methods:

  • general analyses;
  • physical examination;
  • determination of the level of d-dimer;
  • radiography, CT;
  • scintigraphy;
  • pulse oximetry.

  When making a diagnosis, the following information is important: the presence of anemia, the number of leukocytes in the blood (increased or normal level), the level of d-dimer (indicates the process of thrombosis). The most common causes of an increase in the latter are malignant tumors and pulmonary embolism. X-rays can determine the following pathologies: bronchitis, pneumothorax, pneumonia, tumor, pulmonary edema, and others. Almost the same information is provided by CT.

  Pulse oximetry measures the level of oxygen saturation in the blood. If it is below 95%, it indicates respiratory failure.

  Bronchoscopy is also performed to determine the presence of foreign bodies or changes in the bronchi. With laryngoscopy, the larynx is examined, with thoracoscopy, the pleural cavity.

  Diagnosis of anemia includes a detailed CBC with the following indicators: the level of iron and vitamin B12, transferrin and ferritin. Also analyzed for worms.

  Treatment

  In the treatment of cardiac dyspnea, both folk remedies and medications are used. The latter are described in the table:

  Group	Representatives	Mechanism of influence
  Diuretics	Furosemide, Torasemide	Relieve swelling, reduce pressure, reducing the load on the heart
  ACE inhibitors (angiotensin converting enzyme)	Ramipril, Enalapril	Constrict blood vessels, have a hypotensive effect
  Angiotensin receptor blockers	Losartan, Eprosartan	Reduce pressure
  Beta blockers	propranolol, metoprolol, acebutolol	Lower blood pressure, lower heart rate
  Aldosterone antagonists	Aldactone, Spironolactone	Remove excess fluid, increase potassium levels, reduce blood pressure
  cardiac glycosides	Korglikon, Strofantin K	They have a cardiotonic effect, normalize metabolic processes in the heart, eliminate stagnation
  Means against arrhythmia	Verapamil, Amiodarone, Diltiazem	Normalize heart contractions

  Folk methods for the treatment of shortness of breath of the heart include the following medicinal herbs:

  • Mint and Melissa. They have a calming, vasodilating, hypotensive effect.
  • Valerian. It is used for strong heartbeat, pain in the heart.
  • Calendula. Helps with arrhythmia, hypertension and tachycardia.
  • Hawthorn. Tones blood circulation, has a hypotonic effect.
  • Fish fat. Increases heart rate, prevents heart attacks.

  In the treatment of pulmonary dyspnea, the following methods are used:

  • therapeutic;
  • surgical.

  Non-drug therapies include:

  • breathing exercises;
  • rejection of bad habits;
  • active immunization against diseases that cause pathologies;
  • sanitation of foci of infection.

  Drug treatment includes taking the drugs described in the table:

  Group	Representatives	Mechanism of influence
  Beta2-agonists	Salbutamol, Salmeterol, Fenoterol	Relax and expand the muscular wall of the bronchi
  Antibiotics	Fluoroquinolones, penicillins, cephalosporins	Suppress pathogenic microflora
  M-anticholinergics	Ipratropium bromide	Reduce bronchial tone and make breathing easier
  Methylxanthines	Theophylline, Aminophylline	Inhibits the release of allergy mediators from mast cells, dilates the bronchi
  Glucocorticosteroids	fluticasone, triamcinolone	Relieve inflammation, reduce swelling of the airways and the amount of bronchial secretion

  The choice of therapy for anemia depends on what is causing it. This can be taking vitamins, dieting, and eliminating irritants.

  Folk remedies

  Treatment of shortness of breath with folk remedies is quite popular. A well-known method involves the use of honey, garlic and lemon. The remedy is prepared as follows:

  • You need to take 1 liter of liquid honey, 10 heads of garlic and 10 lemons.
  • Garlic is completely peeled and scrolled in a meat grinder, juice is squeezed out of lemons.
  • All components are mixed and infused.
  • Take the mixture once a day for 3-4 tsp. regardless of food intake.

  Herbal infusion of lemon balm, wormwood, motherwort or hawthorn flowers is also used. A decoction is prepared from the herb (optional). 2-3 tbsp. l. are poured with boiling water and infused. The decoction is taken before meals for 3 tbsp. l., wormwood - 1 teaspoon.

  For effectiveness, the course of treatment should be at least two weeks.

The body is not a perfect machine. Sometimes a person may not feel well for various reasons. In this article, I would like to talk about why shortness of breath may appear when walking and how you can cope with this symptom.

Terminology

At the very beginning, you need to figure out what shortness of breath is. So, first of all, it should be noted that this is a symptom that can accompany many diseases. However, in order to better understand the nature of shortness of breath, you need to consider its main signs:

1. The person's breathing becomes more frequent.
2. There is a feeling of suffocation, i.e. a person feels short of breath.
3. The depth of inhalation and exhalation changes. Breathing becomes noisier.

It should also be said that shortness of breath is always noticeable to people around.

Reason 1. Cardiovascular system

The first and most important reason why there is shortness of breath when walking is problems in the work of the cardiovascular system. So, this symptom can occur with heart failure, cardiosclerosis. It appears most often during physical exertion and movement. If the problem is not dealt with, then it can turn into a more serious form - shortness of breath when lying on your back. Getting rid of this disease will be much more difficult. If shortness of breath when walking is accompanied by other symptoms, this may indicate the following problems:

1. Myocardial infarction. In this case, shortness of breath is accompanied by pain in the retrosternal region.
2. Also, chest pain and shortness of breath can signal a ruptured thoracic aortic aneurysm and coronary heart disease.

Reason 2. Respiratory system

If a person suffers from severe shortness of breath when walking, the reasons in this case may be hidden in the disruption of the respiratory system of the body. This symptom may accompany the following diseases:

1. Pneumonia. In this case, shortness of breath develops when walking along with chest pain. Also, the person has weakness. The temperature may or may not be.
2. Pleurisy. In this case, shortness of breath is paired with a feeling of heaviness in the chest.
3. Bronchitis. With this disease, it is also quite common for a person to experience shortness of breath. It is very important to cure this disease in time, as it can flow into bronchial asthma.
4. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The disease occurs in smokers, as well as in those people who work in industries that are harmful to the respiratory system.

If shortness of breath turns into suffocation, this is already an alarming symptom. In this case, situations may arise when the work of the respiratory system will be significantly hampered.

Reason 3. Nervous system

Shortness of breath when walking can occur in people who have had a traumatic brain injury, as well as in those who are often exposed to stressful situations. After all, certain brain structures that belong to the central nervous system are called upon to respond to the regulation of breathing.

Reason 4. Anemia

Often severe shortness of breath when walking occurs due to anemia. In this case, the blood cannot carry oxygen through the tissues, and therefore a similar condition occurs. Shortness of breath during movement may also indicate that the patient develops tumor processes in the mediastinum.

Other reasons

We continue to consider the topic "shortness of breath when walking: causes, treatment." So, a similar symptom can also occur in the following situations:

1. Colds. At this time, a person has a stuffy nose, which also significantly complicates the respiratory process. To cope with the problem is simple, you just need to purchase a remedy for the common cold at the pharmacy.
2. Allergic reactions. In this case, you may also experience shortness of breath when walking. This condition can be caused by swelling of the larynx or swelling of the vocal cords.

When should you see a doctor?

About how to treat shortness of breath when walking, only a doctor can most fully and competently tell. Indeed, in the case of self-treatment, you can start the disease without identifying the main cause of the symptom. In what situations should you immediately seek medical help?

1. When there is a lack of air, and it is no longer possible to compensate for it with rapid breathing.
2. When along with shortness of breath there are pains in the chest area.
3. Symptoms such as swelling of the legs and feet should alert.
4. If the patient has not previously been diagnosed with asthma or other serious respiratory disease, and shortness of breath does not go away.
5. You also need to visit a doctor if, along with shortness of breath, a person has hoarse breathing and coughing up sputum.

Treatment

If a person has intermittent shortness of breath when walking, treatment is something to pay special attention to. After all, this symptom may indicate a rather serious disease. So, first of all, you should identify the cause of this condition. After all, the type of treatment and its effectiveness will depend on this. What are the main ways to deal with this disease?

1. If shortness of breath is caused by problems with the respiratory system, you can cope with the symptom with the help of breathing exercises. Also in this case, oxygen therapy helps well, and, if necessary, antibacterial drugs. If the patient has asthma, he should always have a special inhaler on hand that will help bring his breathing back to normal.
2. If shortness of breath occurs due to disruption of the cardiovascular system, then in this case, treatment should be carried out strictly under the supervision of doctors. It is extremely dangerous to take any independent measures in this situation.
3. If an allergic reaction caused shortness of breath, then you can simply take one of the following drugs: L-cet, Tavegil, Suprastin. Allergic edema will disappear, after which the symptom will disappear.
4. If anemia has caused shortness of breath when walking, then in this case, the doctor will most likely prescribe drugs such as Ferroplex or Hemofer to the patient.

Traditional medicine

If a person is tormented by shortness of breath when walking, treatment can also be carried out with the help of traditional medicine. In this case, the following recipes will be relevant:

1. Infusion. A glass of boiling water should be poured over one teaspoon of hawthorn flowers. Next, the ingredients must be simmered for 15 minutes in a water bath and insisted for 45 minutes in a dark place. The medicine is taken three times a day for a third of a glass.
2. Decoction. 0.5 liters of boiling water should be poured over 100 grams of crushed hawthorn fruits. The medicine is boiled over low heat for half an hour, then cooled, filtered. Take the drug three times a day, 100 ml after meals.
3. Oatmeal. It perfectly helps to relieve shortness of breath that occurs during movement. To prepare a healing dish, you need to pour 0.5 cups of oat grains with two liters of milk. Everything is placed in a preheated oven and languishes at a low temperature for about an hour and a half. You need to eat porridge one glass an hour before bedtime. The course of treatment with this method is two weeks.

Shortness of breath (dyspnea) - a painful feeling of lack of air, in extreme terms, taking the form of suffocation.

If shortness of breath occurs in a healthy person against the background of physical exertion or pronounced psycho-emotional stress, it is considered physiological. Its cause is the increased need of the body for oxygen. In other cases, shortness of breath is caused by some disease and is called pathological.

According to the difficulty of the phase of inhalation or exhalation, dyspnea is distinguished as inspiratory and expiratory, respectively. A variant of mixed dyspnea with limitation of both phases is also possible.

There are several types of shortness of breath. Shortness of breath is considered subjective if the patient feels difficulty in breathing, dissatisfaction with inspiration, but this cannot be measured and there are no factors for its occurrence. Most often it is a symptom of hysteria, neurosis, chest sciatica. Objective dyspnea is characterized by a violation of the frequency, depth of breathing, the duration of inhalation or exhalation, as well as an increase in the work of the respiratory muscles.

Causes of shortness of breath

The cause of shortness of breath can be a long list of diseases. First of all it is:

• respiratory diseases,
• pathologies of the cardiovascular system,
• blood diseases,
• endocrine disorders and other factors.

Diseases with shortness of breath

In diseases of the respiratory system, shortness of breath may be the result of an obstruction in the airways or a decrease in the area of ​​​​the respiratory surface of the lungs.

An obstruction in the upper airway (foreign body, tumor, accumulation of sputum) makes it difficult to inhale and pass air to the lungs, thereby causing inspiratory dyspnea. A decrease in the lumen of the final sections of the bronchial tree - bronchioles, small bronchi with inflammatory edema or spasm of their smooth muscles prevents exhalation, causing expiratory dyspnea. In the case of narrowing of the trachea or large bronchus, shortness of breath takes on a mixed character, which is associated with the restriction of both phases of the respiratory act.

Shortness of breath will also be mixed due to inflammation of the lung parenchyma (pneumonia), atelectasis, tuberculosis, actinomycosis (fungal infection), silicosis, lung infarction or compression of it from the outside by air, fluid in the pleural cavity (with hydrothorax, pneumothorax). Severe mixed shortness of breath up to suffocation is observed with pulmonary embolism. The patient assumes a forced sitting position with support on his hands. Choking in the form of a sudden attack is a symptom of asthma, bronchial or cardiac.

With pleurisy, breathing becomes superficial and painful; a similar picture is observed with chest injuries and inflammation of the intercostal nerves, damage to the respiratory muscles (with poliomyelitis, paralysis, myasthenia gravis).

Shortness of breath in heart disease is a fairly common and diagnostically significant symptom. The cause of shortness of breath here is the weakening of the pumping function of the left ventricle and stagnation of blood in the pulmonary circulation.

The degree of shortness of breath can be judged on the severity of heart failure. At the initial stage, shortness of breath appears during physical exertion: climbing stairs more than 2-3 floors, walking uphill, against the wind, moving at a fast pace. As the disease progresses, it becomes difficult to breathe even with slight exertion, when talking, eating, walking at a calm pace, in a horizontal position. In the severe stage of the disease, shortness of breath occurs even with minimal exertion, and any actions, such as getting out of bed, moving around the apartment, tilting the torso, entail a feeling of lack of air. In the final stage, shortness of breath is present and does at rest.

Attacks of severe shortness of breath, suffocation that occur after physical, psycho-emotional stress or suddenly, often at night, during sleep are called cardiac asthma. The patient takes a forced sitting position. Breathing becomes noisy, bubbling, audible at a distance. There may be a release of foamy sputum, which indicates the onset of pulmonary edema, with the naked eye, the participation of auxiliary muscles in the act of breathing, retraction of the intercostal spaces is noticeable.

In addition, shortness of breath in combination with chest pain, palpitations, interruptions in the work of the heart can be a sign of acute myocardial infarction, arrhythmia (paroxysmal tachycardia, atrial fibrillation) and is caused by a sharp decrease in heart function, a decrease in perfusion and oxygen supply to organs and tissues.

A group of blood diseases, one of the symptoms of which is shortness of breath, includes anemia and leukemia (tumor diseases). Both are characterized by a decrease in the level of hemoglobin and erythrocytes, the main role of which is the transport of oxygen. Accordingly, the oxygenation of organs and tissues worsens. A compensatory reaction occurs, the frequency and depth of breathing increase - thereby the body begins to consume more oxygen from the environment per unit of time.

The simplest and most reliable method for diagnosing these conditions is complete blood count.

Another group is endocrine (thyrotoxicosis, diabetes mellitus) and hormonally active diseases (obesity).

With thyrotoxicosis, the thyroid gland produces an excess amount of hormones, under the influence of which all metabolic processes are accelerated, metabolism and oxygen consumption increase. Here, shortness of breath, as in anemia, is compensatory. In addition, high levels of T3, T4 increase the work of the heart, contributing to rhythm disturbances such as paroxysmal tachycardia, atrial fibrillation with the consequences mentioned above.

Shortness of breath in diabetes mellitus can be considered as a consequence of diabetic microangiopathy, leading to trophic disorders, oxygen starvation of cells and tissues. The second link is kidney damage - diabetic nephropathy. The kidneys produce a hematopoietic factor - erythropoietin, and with its deficiency, anemia occurs.

With obesity, as a result of the deposition of adipose tissue in the internal organs, the work of the heart and lungs becomes more difficult, and the excursion of the diaphragm is limited. In addition, obesity is often accompanied by atherosclerosis, hypertension, which also entails a violation of their function and the occurrence of shortness of breath.

Shortness of breath up to the degree of suffocation can be observed with various kinds of systemic poisoning. The mechanism of its development includes an increase in the permeability of the vascular wall at the microcirculatory level and toxic pulmonary edema, as well as direct damage to the heart with impaired function and blood stasis in the pulmonary circulation.

Treatment of shortness of breath

It is impossible to eliminate shortness of breath without understanding the cause, establishing the disease that caused it. At any degree of severity of shortness of breath, for timely assistance and prevention of complications, you should consult a doctor. Doctors whose competence includes the treatment of diseases with shortness of breath are the therapist, cardiologist, endocrinologist.

The specialists of AVENUE medical centers will answer all questions related to your problem in detail and in an accessible form, and will do everything to solve it.

therapist, cardiologist MC AVENUE-Aleksandrovka

Zhornikov Denis Alexandrovich

Shortness of breath in the elderly, which occurs during walking, is not an independent disease, but a sign of the presence of other, more severe pathologies in the human body.

Exogenous causes of shortness of breath

All causes of shortness of breath in the elderly when walking can be divided into two types - endogenous (due to internal factors) and exogenous (due to external factors). Consider, first of all, external factors provoking the development of shortness of breath:

The presence of bad habits such as smoking or alcoholism exacerbate the above factors, making apneasia more severe and prolonged.

Endogenous factors in the development of shortness of breath

There are much more internal factors and root causes for the development of apneasia. This is due to the fact that the phenomenon, in most cases, indicates the presence of a disease or pathology. As a rule, rapid and difficult breathing occurs in such cases:

Based on the total number of factors that provoke the appearance of apneusia, we can conclude that this phenomenon has a developed causal relationship, and is also a characteristic symptom for a whole group of diseases.

Treatment of shortness of breath folk remedies

In order to eliminate dyspnea, doctors prescribe drugs whose action is aimed at eliminating the root cause of the development of the symptom, as well as the phenomenon itself. These can be strong remedies, pills and sprays designed to relieve heart failure, asthma, COPD, etc. But what if dyspnea appears only as a result of increased physical, psychological stress, or another reason not related to diseases? In this case, the causes of shortness of breath when walking can be treated with folk remedies.

The following recipes are the most popular:

Treatment with traditional medicine, especially the elderly, should be carried out with caution, and therefore a doctor's consultation is mandatory to adjust the treatment.

• the patient feels a lack of air, there is a feeling of suffocation;
• breathing usually becomes more frequent;
• the depth of inhalation and exhalation changes, breathing becomes more noisy.

What are its main reasons?

• Cardiac pathologies are one of the most common causes of shortness of breath among older people. When the heart ceases to cope with its function normally, the flow of blood and oxygen to various organs, including the brain, begins to decrease. As a result, breathing intensifies.
• Diseases of the bronchi and lungs. If the bronchi are narrowed, and the lung tissue is pathologically changed due to some diseases, then the right amount of oxygen does not penetrate into the blood. The respiratory system tries to work in a more intensive mode.
• anemia. At the same time, the lungs provide the blood with a sufficient amount of oxygen. The heart well pushes it through the tissues and organs. But due to the lack of red blood cells (erythrocytes) and hemoglobin, the bloodstream is not able to carry oxygen to the tissues.

Types of shortness of breath

Cardiac dyspnea

Heart failure

Heart failure is characterized by shortness of breath during walking and physical exertion. If the disease progresses further, then constant shortness of breath may occur, which persists at rest, including during sleep.

Other characteristic symptoms of heart failure are:

• a combination of shortness of breath with swelling in the legs, which appear mainly in the evening;
• periodic pain in the heart, a feeling of increased heartbeat and interruptions;
• bluish tint of the skin of the feet, fingers and toes, tip of the nose and earlobes;
• high or low blood pressure;
• general weakness, malaise, increased fatigue;
• frequent dizziness, sometimes fainting;
• often patients are concerned about a dry cough that occurs in the form of seizures (the so-called cardiac cough).

The treatment of shortness of breath in heart failure is determined by the nature of the disease with which it was caused. To enhance cardiac activity, the doctor may prescribe cardiac glycosides.

Shortness of breath and high blood pressure: hypertension

Along with shortness of breath and high blood pressure, there are other characteristic manifestations of hypertension:

• headaches and dizziness;
• redness of the skin of the face, a feeling of hot flashes;
• violation of general well-being: a patient with arterial hypertension gets tired faster, he does not tolerate physical activity and any stress;
• "flies before the eyes" - flashing of small spots of light;
• periodic pain in the region of the heart.

Diagnosis and treatment of shortness of breath, the occurrence of which is associated with arterial hypertension, is carried out by a therapist and a cardiologist. Assign constant monitoring of blood pressure, biochemical blood tests, ECG, ultrasound of the heart, chest x-ray. The treatment consists in the constant intake of medications that allow you to keep your blood pressure at a stable level.

Acute severe pain in the heart and shortness of breath: myocardial infarction

Other symptoms of myocardial infarction are very characteristic, and make it easy to recognize this condition:
1. Shortness of breath is combined with pain in the heart, which occurs behind the sternum. It is very strong, has a piercing and burning character. At first, the patient may think that he is just having an angina attack. But the pain does not go away after taking nitroglycerin for more than 5 minutes.

2. Paleness, cold clammy sweat.
3. Sensation of interruption in the work of the heart.
4. A strong feeling of fear - it seems to the patient that he is about to die.
5. A sharp drop in blood pressure as a result of a pronounced violation of the pumping function of the heart.

With shortness of breath and other symptoms associated with myocardial infarction, the patient needs emergency help. It is necessary to immediately call an ambulance team, which will inject the patient with a strong painkiller and transport him to the hospital.

Shortness of breath and palpitations in paroxysmal tachycardia

For example, if the heartbeat does not exceed 180 beats per minute, then the patient can tolerate tachycardia quite normally for up to 2 weeks, while complaining only of a feeling of increased heartbeat. At a higher frequency, there are complaints of shortness of breath.

If the respiratory failure is caused by tachycardia, then this heart rhythm disturbance is easily detected after electrocardiography. In the future, the doctor must identify the disease that originally led to this condition. Antiarrhythmic and other medications are prescribed.

Pulmonary vasculitis

• fever, fever: most often shortness of breath is combined with these signs, so the patients themselves mistakenly believe that they have developed pneumonia or another respiratory infection;
• abdominal pain associated with damage to the vessels of the abdominal cavity;
• arterial hypertension - an increase in blood pressure as a result of a narrowing of the inflammatory process of peripheral vessels;
• polyneuritis - damage to small nerves due to a violation of their blood supply;
• pain in muscles and joints;
• over time, the patient notes a significant loss of body weight;
• signs of kidney damage.

Acute shortness of breath, tachycardia, drop in blood pressure, suffocation:
pulmonary embolism

• drop in blood pressure;
• the patient becomes pale, cold sticky sweat appears;
• there is a sharp deterioration in the general condition, which can reach up to loss of consciousness;
• blueness of the skin.

When the first signs of an incipient pulmonary embolism appear, the patient needs emergency medical care. You should immediately call a doctor.

Pulmonary edema

Shortness of breath associated with pulmonary edema requires emergency medical attention.

Pulmonary dyspnea

Bronchitis

Shortness of breath occurs in acute and chronic obstructive bronchitis. The course and symptoms of these forms of the disease differ:
1. Acute bronchitis has all the signs of an acute infectious disease. The patient's body temperature rises, there is a runny nose, sore throat, dry or wet cough, a violation of the general condition. Treatment of shortness of breath in bronchitis involves the appointment of antiviral and antibacterial drugs, expectorants, bronchodilators (expanding the lumen of the bronchi).
2. Chronical bronchitis can lead to persistent shortness of breath, or its episodes in the form of exacerbations. This disease is far from always caused by infections: it leads to long-term irritation of the bronchial tree with various allergens and harmful chemicals, tobacco smoke. Treatment of chronic bronchitis is usually long-term.

With obstructive bronchitis, difficulty in exhaling (expiratory dyspnea) is most often noted. This is caused by three groups of reasons that the doctor is trying to deal with during treatment:

• secretion of a large amount of viscous mucus: expectorants help to bring it out;
• an inflammatory reaction, as a result of which the wall of the bronchus swells, narrowing its lumen: this condition is fought with the help of anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antimicrobial drugs;
• spasm of the muscles that make up the wall of the bronchus: against this condition, the doctor prescribes bronchodilators and antiallergic drugs.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Persistent shortness of breath in COPD occurs due to the narrowing of the airway, which is caused by the action of irritating harmful substances on them. Most often, the disease occurs in heavy smokers and people who are employed in hazardous industries.
In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the following features are characteristic:

• The process of narrowing of the bronchi is almost irreversible: it can be stopped and compensated with the help of drugs, but it cannot be reversed.
• The narrowing of the airways and, as a result, shortness of breath, are constantly growing.
• Shortness of breath is predominantly expiratory in nature: small bronchi and bronchioles are affected. Therefore, the patient easily inhales air, but exhales it with difficulty.
• Shortness of breath in such patients is combined with a wet cough, during which sputum is discharged.

Treatment of dyspnea in COPD is complex and lengthy. The disease often leads to the patient's disability and loss of ability to work.

Pneumonia

If you experience severe shortness of breath, cough, and other symptoms of pneumonia, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. If treatment is not started within the first 8 hours, then the prognosis for the patient is greatly worsened, up to the possibility of death. The main diagnostic method for shortness of breath caused by pneumonia is chest x-ray. Antibacterial and other drugs are prescribed.

Shortness of breath in bronchial asthma

• Shortness of breath in bronchial asthma always develops in the form of attacks. In this case, it is easy for the patient to inhale air, and it is very difficult to exhale it (expiratory dyspnea). The attack usually goes away after taking or inhaling bronchomimetics - medicines that help to relax the wall of the bronchus and expand its lumen.
• With a prolonged attack of shortness of breath, pain occurs in the lower part of the chest, which is associated with tension in the diaphragm.
• During an attack, there is a cough and a feeling of some congestion in the chest. In this case, sputum is practically not excreted. It is viscous, glassy, ​​departs in a small amount, as a rule, at the end of an episode of suffocation.
• Shortness of breath and other symptoms of bronchial asthma most often occur during the patient's contact with certain allergens: plant pollen, animal hair, dust, etc.
• Often, other allergic reactions are noted simultaneously in the form of urticaria, rash, allergic rhinitis, etc.
• The most severe manifestation of bronchial asthma is the so-called status asthmaticus. It develops like a normal attack, but it is not stopped with the help of bronchomimetics. Gradually, the patient's condition worsens, to the point that he falls into a coma. Status asthmaticus is a life-threatening condition and needs immediate medical attention.

Tumors of the lungs

• Frequent hacking cough , which worries the patient almost constantly. At the same time, sputum leaves in a very small amount.
• Hemoptysis- one of the most characteristic symptoms of lung cancer and tuberculosis.
• Chest pain joins shortness of breath and other symptoms if the tumor grows beyond the lungs and affects the chest wall.
• Violation of the general condition sick, weakness, lethargy, weight loss and complete exhaustion.
• Tumors of the lungs often give metastases to the lymph nodes, nerves, internal organs, ribs, sternum, spinal column. In this case, additional symptoms and complaints appear.

Diagnosis of the causes of shortness of breath in malignant tumors in the early stages is quite difficult. The most informative methods are x-rays, computed tomography, blood tests of oncomarkers (special substances that are formed in the body in the presence of a tumor), sputum cytology, bronchoscopy.

Treatment may include surgery, the use of cytostatics, radiation therapy, and other more modern methods.

Other lung and chest conditions that cause shortness of breath

• Pulmonary tuberculosis - a specific infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
• Actinomycosis of the lungs - a fungal disease, the cause of which is mainly a significant decrease in immunity.
• Pneumothorax- a condition in which there is damage to the lung tissue, and air penetrates from the lungs into the chest cavity. The most common spontaneous pneumothorax is caused by infections and chronic processes in the lungs.
• Emphysema is a swelling of the lung tissue, which also occurs in some chronic diseases.
• Violation of the process of inhalation as a result respiratory muscle damage (intercostal muscles and diaphragm) with poliomyelitis, myasthenia gravis, paralysis.
• Chest deformity and lung compression with scoliosis, malformations of the thoracic vertebrae, Bechterew's disease (ankylosing spondyloarteritis), etc.
• Silicosis- occupational diseases that are associated with the deposition of dust particles in the lungs, and manifest as shortness of breath and other symptoms.
• Sarcoidosis is an infectious lung disease.

Pallor and shortness of breath on exertion: anemia

All anemias have one thing in common: as a result of the decrease in the level of hemoglobin in the bloodstream, less oxygen is supplied to organs and tissues, including the brain. The body tries to somehow compensate for this state, as a result, the depth and frequency of breaths increase. The lungs are trying to “pump” more oxygen into the blood.

Shortness of breath with anemia is combined with the following symptoms:
1. The patient literally feels a breakdown, constant weakness, he does not tolerate increased physical activity. These symptoms occur much earlier before shortness of breath appears.
2. Paleness of the skin is a characteristic feature, since it is the hemoglobin contained in the blood that gives it a pink color.
3. Headaches and dizziness, impaired memory, attention, concentration - these symptoms are associated with oxygen starvation of the brain.
4. Violated and such vital functions as sleep, sexual desire, appetite.
5. With severe anemia, heart failure develops over time, leading to worsening of shortness of breath and other symptoms.
6. Some individual types of anemia have their own symptoms. For example, with B12-deficiency anemia, the sensitivity of the skin is impaired. With anemia associated with liver damage, in addition to pallor of the skin, jaundice also occurs.

The most reliable type of research that allows you to detect anemia is a complete blood count. The treatment plan is built by a hematologist, depending on the causes of the disease.

Shortness of breath in other diseases

Why does shortness of breath occur after eating?

After eating, the digestive system begins to work actively. The gastric mucosa, pancreas, and intestines begin to secrete numerous digestive enzymes. It takes energy to push food through the digestive tract. Then the proteins, fats and carbohydrates processed by enzymes are absorbed into the bloodstream. In connection with all these processes, the flow of a large amount of blood to the organs of the digestive system is necessary.

The blood flow in the human body is redistributed. The intestines receive more oxygen, the rest of the organs - less. If the body works normally, then no disturbances are noted. If there are any diseases and deviations, then oxygen starvation develops in the internal organs, and the lungs, trying to eliminate it, begin to work at an accelerated pace. Shortness of breath appears.

If you experience shortness of breath after eating, then you need to come to an appointment with a therapist in order to undergo an examination and understand its causes.

Obesity

• Organs and tissues do not receive enough blood because it is difficult for the heart to push it through the whole body of fat.
• Fat is also deposited in the internal organs, making it difficult for the heart and lungs to work.
• The subcutaneous layer of fat makes it difficult for the respiratory muscles to work.
• Overweight and obesity are conditions that in the vast majority of cases are accompanied by atherosclerosis and arterial hypotension - these factors also contribute to the occurrence of shortness of breath.

Diabetes

• If blood glucose levels are not controlled in any way, diabetes mellitus eventually leads to damage to small vessels. As a result, all organs are constantly in a state of oxygen starvation.
• In type II diabetes, obesity often develops, which makes it difficult for the heart and lungs to function.
• Ketoacidosis is an acidification of the blood when so-called ketone bodies appear in it, which are formed as a result of an increased content of glucose in the blood.
• Diabetic nephropathy is damage to the kidney tissue as a result of impaired renal blood flow. This provokes anemia, which, in turn, causes even more oxygen starvation of tissues and shortness of breath.

Thyrotoxicosis

Shortness of breath in this disease is due to two reasons. Firstly, all metabolic processes are intensifying in the body, so it needs an increased amount of oxygen. At the same time, the heart rate increases, up to atrial fibrillation. In this condition, the heart is not able to pump blood normally through the tissues and organs, they do not receive the necessary amount of oxygen.

Shortness of breath in a child: the most common causes

Respiratory distress syndrome of the newborn

Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome requires immediate medical attention.

Laryngitis and false croup

Shortness of breath in children with diseases of the respiratory system

congenital heart defects

• open oval window;
• open interventricular septum;
• open botallian duct;
• Fallot's tetrad.

Anemia in children

Causes of shortness of breath during pregnancy

• the growing embryo and fetus require more oxygen;
• the total volume of blood circulating in the body increases;
• the growing fetus begins to squeeze the diaphragm, heart and lungs from below, which makes it difficult to breathe and heart contractions;
• malnutrition of a pregnant woman develops anemia.

If shortness of breath during pregnancy is severe and often worries, then you should definitely visit a antenatal clinic doctor.

Treatment of shortness of breath

Also, you should not use on your own, without the knowledge of a doctor, all kinds of folk remedies for shortness of breath. At best, they will be ineffective, or bring minimal effect.

If a person has noticed this symptom in himself, then he should visit a doctor as soon as possible to prescribe therapy.