Shortness Of Breath
Shortness of Breath in Sun City, Glendale, and Peoria, AZ
While everyone occasionally experiences shortness of breath, frequent, prolonged, or extreme shortness of breath can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. If you regularly experience shortness of breath, even when you are at rest or after light exertion, you should visit a doctor for a health assessment and medical screening. At Cardiac Solutions, our board-certified cardiologists can determine the underlying cause of your shortness of breath in Sun City, Glendale, or Peoria, AZ. Call us to schedule a consultation with our team.
What Is Shortness of Breath?
Shortness of breath is a condition that occurs when you can’t get enough air into your lungs. It can range widely in severity and duration and, in some cases, can indicate a medical emergency or serious underlying health condition. Shortness of breath symptoms include a tightness in the chest, dizziness, lightheadedness, confusion, anxiety, gasping for air, loss of consciousness, and chest pain.
Shortness of Breath Causes
Many different things can cause shortness of breath, ranging from mild to severe. You may experience shortness of breath after heavy exercise, exertion, or strenuous activity. You may develop shortness of breath in response to severe stress or anxiety. However, when you frequently experience shortness of breath, experience severe instances of shortness of breath, or have shortness of breath combined with other symptoms, it may be caused by an underlying medical condition like:
- Blocked airway
- Exposure to toxins or pollutants
- Allergic reaction or anaphylaxis
- Asthma
- Fluid in the lungs
- Lung cancer
- Heart disease or another cardiovascular condition
- Respiratory illnesses like bronchitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis, or sarcoidosis
- Collapsed lung
- Choking
- Blood clot
- Cardiomyopathy
- Heart arrhythmia
- Inflammation of the lungs or heart
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Injury or trauma to the ribs or lungs
When to Seek Medical Attention
If you are experiencing any medical condition that you worry is life-threatening, we recommend that you call 911 right away. Shortness of breath, especially when combined with other symptoms, can indicate a medical emergency or major medical condition, including heart attack, stroke, heart disease, aortic aneurysm, or severe allergic reaction. If you have shortness of breath that lasts longer than 30 minutes and/or if it is accompanied by these symptoms:
- Chest pain, tightness, or pressure
- Fainting or loss of consciousness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Changes in mental status or disorientation
- Trouble speaking or walking
- Wheezing
- Fever
- Red or flushed skin
- Cold or clammy skin
- Blue or gray skin
- Drowsiness
- Swelling in the feet or ankles
- Chills
- A cough
- Trouble breathing even when resting or lying flat
Shortness of Breath Diagnosis
We will take your medical history, perform a physical examination, and run diagnostic testing to determine the root cause of your shortness of breath. We may take blood tests, a chest x-ray, a CT scan, lung function tests, or cardiopulmonary exercise testing. This will help us determine if your shortness of breath is caused by an underlying issue with your heart or lungs.
Treatment for Shortness of Breath
The treatment we recommend for shortness of breath will depend on the underlying cause of your condition, your overall health and any comorbid medical conditions, your age, and your lifestyle. If your shortness of breath is caused by obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, or anxiety, we will recommend lifestyle changes and stress management techniques. If your shortness of breath is due to asthma, COPD, or an underlying illness, we will recommend medication and oxygen therapy. If you have an underlying heart or lung condition, we will design a personalized treatment plan that may include a combination of lifestyle changes, medication, and medical procedures, with potential surgical intervention if necessary.
Importance of Regular Check-Ups & Monitoring
We recommend regular check-ups and health monitoring if you have shortness of breath caused by an underlying illness or medical condition. We can help you manage your symptoms and condition and reduce your risk of complications. You will need to commit to maintaining a healthy lifestyle and sticking to your treatment plan.
Why Choose Cardiac Solutions
Our team at Cardiac Solutions includes board-certified cardiologists, medical specialists, and experienced medical professionals. We are committed to helping our patients live healthier, longer lives through preventive care and personalized cardiovascular treatment options. We tailor each patient’s treatment to their symptoms, lifestyle, and goals. We will work closely with you to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and get you the answers you need. Our treatment programs and preventive care options are designed to enhance quality of life and overall health and reduce the risk of complications.
Book an Appointment With Cardiac Solutions
Our cardiac specialists serve patients in Peoria, Sun City West, Glendale, Sun City, Litchfield, Phoenix, Avondale, and Wickenburg. Call us today or contact us online to schedule a consultation to discuss your symptoms and determine why you are experiencing shortness of breath. We can run diagnostic testing and design a treatment plan that can address the root cause of your condition and reduce your symptoms.