Shortness of breath is also known as Dyspnea which is one of the scariest conditions that happens to human beings. Shortness of breath occurs if you cannot get enough air inside the lungs. If it occurs in severe condition, then it is recommended to consult with your doctor as early as possible.
Shortness of breath is potentially a life threatening emergency that causes serious diseases like heart attack, pulmonary embolism etc. Shortness of breath can be identified while running. If you feel some difficulties while running, then you can confirm as shortness of breath. In such cases, you have to consult with your doctor. Even shortness of breath occurs in low oxygen at high altitude places like hill stations.
There are many causes and diseases for shortness of breath which results in heart disease, muscle and nerve diseases and anxiety etc. The possible causes and diseases that occur due to shortness of breath are as follows:
1) Heart valves may be leaky.
2) During exercise, the heart muscles do not get enough blood.
3) Heart muscles may be stiff.
4) Opening in the heart which stops the lungs from getting enough oxygen inside and also inside the blood.
5) High blood pressure can cause which is also known as pulmonary hypertension.
6) Carbon monoxide poisoning
7) Asthma, which is a breathing disease that occurs at regular intervals. It can occur while running or dancing. Even asthma can occur if entered in to dusty areas.
8) Pneumonia
9) Congestive heart failure
10) Bronchitis
11) Collapsed lungs which are otherwise known as pneumothorax.
12) Muscular dystrophy
13) Polymyositis
14) Dermatomyositis
15) Acidosis which is aspirin poisoning
16) Even kidney failure is also a cause for this shortness of breath.
The following above are the major cause of shortness of breath. Apart from these, other causes are also possible. They are:
1) Hyperventilation- this causes when breathing too fast which results in feelings of panic.
2) Gastro esophageal reflux- stomach acids that splash up into the throat.
3) Low level of physical fitness which is called as Deconditioning.
4) Postnasal discharge- this occurs when sinus drainage collects in the back of the throat.