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Being short of breath (otherwise known as dyspnea or difficulty breathing) is one of the scariest conditions. Most of the people might have experienced this feeling of short of breath after some intense physical exertion. The chest is felt tight and it may feel like one can not get enough air in. Breathing may seem very difficult or laborious, and in some cases, you may even have some chest pain.
Causes
- anaphylaxis
- asthma
- carbon monoxide poisoning
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- collapsed lung (pneumothorax)
- congestive heart failure
- hyperventilation syndrome
- pneumonia
- pulmonary embolism
Symptoms
- breathing fast
- breathing through pursed lips
- feeling "winded" or unable to speak
- sitting with hands on knees
- using neck and chest muscles to breathe
Treatments
- Patients with acute dyspnea are given oxygen in the emergency room, with the following treatments for specific conditions:
- Asthma. Treatment with Alupent, epinephrine, or aminophylline.
- Anaphylactic shock. Treatment with Benadryl, steroids, or aminophylline, with hydrocortisone if necessary.
- Congestive heart failure. Treatment with oxygen, diuretics, and placing patient in upright position.
- Pneumonia. Treatment with antibiotics and removal of lung secretions.
- Anxiety attacks. Immediate treatment includes antidepressant medications. If the patient is hyperventilating, he or she may be asked to breathe into a paper bag to normalize breathing rhythm and the oxygen level of the blood.
- Pneumothorax. Surgical placement of a chest tube.
- The treatment of chronic dyspnea depends on the underlying disorder:
- Asthma is managed with a combination of medications to reduce airway spasms and removal of allergens from the patient's environment.
- COPD requires both medication, lifestyle changes, and long-term physical rehabilitation.
- Anxiety disorders are usually treated with a combination of medication and psychotherapy.
- GERD can usually be managed with antacids, other medications, and dietary changes.
- Tumors and certain types of chest deformities can be treated surgically.
- The appropriate alternative therapy for shortness of breath depends on the underlying cause of the condition.
- When dyspnea is acute and severe, oxygen therapy is used either in the doctor's office or in the emergency room.
- For shortness of breath with an underlying physical cause like asthma, anaphylactic shock, or pneumonia, the physical condition should be treated.
- Botanical and homeopathic remedies can be used for acute dyspnea, if the proper remedies and formulas are prescribed.
- If the dyspnea has a psychological basis, then acupuncture, botanical medicine, and homeopathy can help the patient heal at a deep level.
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