Why do i have difficulties breathing

But shortness of breath can also be a sign of a more serious condition. If the problem persists or if you have other symptoms, consider seeing a doctor. They can help you find relief and may suggest treatment for an underlying health condition. Difficulty breathing can sometimes be related to acid reflux. Learn how to resolve acid reflux through lifestyle changes and medication. A disruption in your regular breathing patterns can be alarming.

Feeling as though you can't take a deep breath is known as dyspnea. Lung conditions like COPD can significantly reduce lung function and your ability to breathe comfortably. Read on to learn how to increase lung…. Dyspnea is the feeling that you cannot breathe in enough air. Learn more about the symptoms of dyspnea, why it happens, and how to treat it. Learn how to practice pursed lip breathing and understand its benefits for relaxation and easing health conditions such as COPD.

An incentive spirometer is a device that can help you strengthen your lungs. Learn how it works, who it helps, and where to get one. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect.

Home treatments Other treatments See a doctor Summary What is shortness of breath? Home treatments. Share on Pinterest. Other treatments. When to see a doctor. Read this next. Acid Reflux and Shortness of Breath. Medically reviewed by Graham Rogers, M. Medically reviewed by Elaine K. Luo, M. Breathing Exercises to Increase Lung Capacity. Medically reviewed by Gerhard Whitworth, R. COPD and Dyspnea. Pursed Lip Breathing. Diagnosis and Tests. Living With.

Related Issues. Videos and Tutorials. Clinical Trials. Article: Effects of wearing facemasks on the sensation of exertional dyspnea and Article: Relationship of pharyngeal transition time and presence of residue with dyspnea After you have called , perform emergency CPR if you know how to do so. Some symptoms, along with breathing difficulty, can indicate a serious problem.

These problems may indicate an angina attack, a lack of oxygen, or a heart attack. Symptoms to be aware of include:. Babies and young children often have breathing difficulties when they have respiratory viruses. There are several conditions that can lead to more severe breathing difficulties. Most children recover from these conditions with proper treatment. Croup is a respiratory illness usually caused by a virus. Children between the age of 6 months old and 3 years old are considered the most likely to get croup, but it can develop in older children.

It usually begins with symptoms similar to a cold. The main symptom of the illness is a loud, barking cough. Breathing difficulties can result from the frequent coughing.

This often occurs at night, with the first and second nights of coughing usually the worst. Most cases of croup resolve within a week. Bronchiolitis is a viral lung infection that often affects babies younger than 6 months old.

Respiratory syncytial virus RSV is the most common cause of this problem. The illness may appear like the common cold at first, but in a few days it may be followed by:.

Oxygen levels can become quite low and can require treatment in the hospital. In most cases, babies get well in 7 to 10 days. Your doctor will need to determine the underlying cause of your breathing difficulties. After reviewing your medical history, your doctor will examine your airway passages, lungs, and heart. Depending on the findings of your physical exam, your doctor might recommend one or more diagnostic tests, including:.

Your doctor may also have you perform exercise testing to see how your heart and lungs react to physical exertion. The temporary symptoms will resolve once your cold goes away, you stop exercising, or you return to a lower altitude. If stress is causing your breathing problems, you can reduce stress by developing coping mechanisms. Just a few ways to relieve stress include:. Some breathing difficulties are symptoms of serious heart and lung illnesses. In these cases, your doctor will prescribe medication and other treatments.

If you have asthma, for example, you may need to use an inhaler immediately after experiencing breathing problems. Your doctor may also recommend avoiding allergy triggers like dust or pollen.

In extreme cases, you may need oxygen therapy , a breathing machine, or other treatment and monitoring at a hospital. If your child is experiencing mild breathing difficulties, you may want to try some soothing home remedies alongside treatment from a doctor. Cool or moist air can help, so take your child outside into the night air or into a steamy bathroom. You can also try running a cool mist humidifier while your child is sleeping. Shortness of breath is an uncomfortable condition that can make it hard to carry out daily tasks.

Find out about alternative asthma treatments and what the research says about their effectiveness. Stress is a natural and normal part of life, but sometimes you just need to relax. We've compiled a list of the top 10 ways to relieve stress. Deep breathing is associated with better health, yet the busy pace of life and sedentary environments have conditioned us to only take quick, shallow….