Shortness of Breath

Shortness of breath, often called dyspnea, is ones subjective symptom of feeling as if they are not getting enough air. It can be characterized in 3 different ways- difficulty breathing, uncomfortable breathing or the feeling of “air hunger” (not getting enough air). There are many causes of shortness of breath but the most common cases are caused from asthma, allergies, obesity, pneumonia, heart failure or heart problems, interstitial lung disease, COPD or from psychogenic causes. You should always contact your health care provider or seek emergency care if you experience shortness of breath with: chest pain, fever, tightness in the throat, barking cough, you have choked or breathed in a foreign objected or you have uncontrolled wheezing.