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Breathing problems are one of the symptoms of COVID-19. Even if your symptoms are mild, get tested for COVID-19 immediately — use the breathing problems Symptom Checker if you're not sure what to do. Show
What are breathing problems?Breathing problems are when you feel you can’t get enough air, your chest feels very tight, you are breathless or you feel like you’re being suffocated. You might feel short of breath if you are obese or if you have just done some strenuous exercise. It can also happen in extreme temperatures or if you are at high altitude. If you have breathing problems for any other reason, it is probably the sign of a medical problem. When should I call an ambulance or go to the emergency department?You should call triple zero (000) for an ambulance if:
Make an appointment to see your doctor or consider going to an emergency department if, as well as being out of breath, you:
What should I do while waiting for an ambulance?While you are waiting, try to stay calm. Sit upright and make sure you have someone with you if possible. If you have asthma, take 4 puffs of your blue or grey reliever puffer. Take 4 more puffs every 4 minutes until help arrives. What causes breathing problems?Common causes of feeling short of breath are:
Other causes of suddenly feeling short of breath are:
Some people feel short of breath long term. This can be caused by:
What other symptoms might I have?If your breathing problems are caused by a cold or chest infection, you might also have a cough, fever, sore throat, sneezing, blocked or runny nose and general congestion. If the problem is to do with your heart, you might also have chest pain, feel light-headed and nauseous. If you have been diagnosed with angina, take your medication as directed. Wait 5 minutes and take another dose. If the problem is asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), you might also have a lot of mucous, a wheezing sound when you breathe, and your symptoms might get worse with exercise or during the night. If the problem is a panic attack, you might also have a fast heartbeat, sweating and shaking, nausea, dizziness and a sense of impending doom or danger. CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the breathing problems Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help. How are breathing problems treated?The type of treatment you need depends on how unwell you feel, how suddenly it has come on and what other conditions you might have. If you see a doctor, the tests you might have include:
Treatments include:
Can breathing problems be prevented?If you have any breathing problems, and you smoke you should quit. Call 13 78 48 or go to the Quitline website. If you have any medication for breathing problems, such as puffers, use them as directed by your pharmacist or doctor. You can also:
When should I be worried about a cough and wheezing?Call your doctor if your cough (or your child's cough) doesn't go away after a few weeks or if it also involves any one of these: Coughing up thick, greenish-yellow phlegm. Wheezing. Experiencing a fever.
How can you tell if wheezing is from your lungs or throat?To diagnose what type of wheezing you have, your doctor will use a stethoscope to hear if it's loudest over your lungs or neck. Inspiratory wheezing often accompanies expiratory wheezing when heard over the lungs, specifically in acute asthma.
Should I go to the hospital for shortness of breath and wheezing?Seek emergency medical care
Call 911 or your local emergency number or have someone drive you to the emergency room if you experience severe shortness of breath that comes on suddenly and affects your ability to function.
How do you fix shortness of breath and wheezing?In addition to any prescription treatments and medication your doctor recommends, there are several home remedies that may help you wheeze less.. Drink warm liquids. ... . Inhale moist air. ... . Eat more fruits and vegetables. ... . Quit smoking. ... . Try pursed lip breathing. ... . Don't exercise in cold, dry weather.. |