Frequently Asked Questions About Dyspnea

What is the difference between dyspnea and shortness of breath?

Dyspnea and shortness of breath describe the same condition and are often used interchangeably. Dyspnea is the medical term for shortness of breath, while shortness of breath is a commonly used everyday phrase.

How do I know if I have dyspnea?

Some signs include:

• Feeling a weight or tightness in your chest
• Breathing quicker and/or deeper than usual
• Wheezing or coughing
• Feeling like you have to work harder to breathe

Is dyspnea life-threatening?

The severity of the shortness of breath depends on the underlying cause. If your dyspnea worsens over time or is accompanied by another serious symptom like pain, dizziness or disorientation, or bleeding, call your doctor or 911 immediately as this may be a sign of a serious or life-threatening condition.

How can I prevent dyspnea?

Some ways you can prevent shortness of breath are by:

• Maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle
• Not overexerting yourself during physical activity, especially if you are not conditioned for the activity and/or have not exercised in a while
• Taking the medications prescribed to treat the underlying cause of dyspnea in accordance with the care plan
• Avoiding triggers of stress or anxiety
• Practicing breathing or relaxation techniques
• Not smoking or taking illicit substances

Can COVID-19 cause dyspnea?

Yes, COVID-19 can lead to dyspnea, as can other respiratory infections. Moderate to severe shortness of breath may indicate a severe COVID-19 infection. If you have tested positive for COVID-19 and are experiencing moderate to severe dyspnea, contact your doctor to assess whether you can continue recovering at home or require hospital treatment. For individuals with long COVID, dyspnea may persist as a chronic (long-lasting) symptom. If you are experiencing long COVID symptoms, your care team will work together to help you manage your symptoms, including shortness of breath. This may include rehabilitation, breathing exercises, medications, and other therapies to help improve your breathing and overall well-being

Can anxiety or stress cause dyspnea?

Yes, anxiety and/or stress can cause dyspnea. Shortness of breath commonly occurs during an anxiety attack, as stress can trigger your body’s "fight or flight" response, leading to an increased breathing rate and potentially making it harder to breathe. To manage dyspnea triggered by acute stress or anxiety, first remove yourself from the stressful situation if possible. Then, try practicing deep, intentional breathing to calm your body down, filling your lungs with air. In addition to breathing techniques, it can be helpful to engage in relaxation exercises such as meditation or progressive muscle relaxation to alleviate feelings of anxiety and dyspnea. If you find that your anxiety, stress, or breathing difficulties persist or worsen, it's essential to contact your doctor or call 9-1-1 for immediate assistance.

Should I seek care for shortness of breath? 

If you or a loved one are experiencing concerns regarding shortness of breath, it's essential to discuss these concerns with your primary care provider. They can assess your condition and advise whether further treatment is necessary. Your doctor will review your medical history and any recent changes in your health to determine the most appropriate approach, which may include non-medicated management, medication, or other treatments or procedures. Additionally, it's important to seek emergency medical attention if you experience severe or sudden onset shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting, or bluish discoloration of the lips or nails. These symptoms may indicate a serious underlying condition that requires immediate evaluation and treatment. At Newton-Wellesley Hospital, our team at the Elfers Cardiovascular Center specializes in dyspnea and other cardiovascular conditions.

Who treats dyspnea/shortness of breath?

Because treatment for shortness of breath focuses on treating the root cause, doctors from several medical areas may treat dyspnea. For example, if dyspnea is caused by a mild condition like the common cold, your primary care provider may be able to provide adequate treatment to resolve the cause. If dyspnea is caused by a chronic lung condition like long COVID, COPD or asthma, your PCP or other specialist may work together to help you manage the condition. If the cause of dyspnea is initially unclear or if you are experiencing chronic dyspnea, your doctor may refer you to our team at the Dyspnea and Pulmonary Hypertension Program to help determine the root cause.

What breathing exercises can help manage dyspnea/shortness of breath?

Typically, breathing exercises to manage dyspnea focus on slow, controlled inhales and exhales to help you relax. Below is a sample breathing exercise for shortness of breath: Find a comfortable seat. Sit up straight, lengthening through the spine, and softening your shoulders away from your ears to create space. Take a slow, deep breath in through your nose, filling up the lungs and allowing the belly to expand. Release the breath slowly through your mouth, about two times slower than your inhale. For example, if too 5 seconds to inhale, try exhaling for 10 seconds. Talk to your doctor to learn more about potential breathing exercises that can help manage your dyspnea.