It’s common for people to experience breathing problems from time to time. But when breathing problems pose a danger to your health, it’s important to get help right away. Breathing problems can be caused by various conditions or disorders, including asthma, pneumonia, allergies, and emphysema.
The Symptoms of Breathing Problems
The symptoms of breathing problems can vary depending on what is causing the problem. However, there are some common symptoms that you may experience if you have trouble breathing:
Breathing quickly
If you find yourself breathing quickly, it could mean that your body is trying to keep up with your oxygen demands. You can breathe faster if you’re anxious or tense, which means the body is releasing adrenaline, a hormone responsible for our fight-or-flight response. Breathing quickly can also be due to other respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Coughing
Most of us cough due to a sudden irritation of the airways, such as from allergies or acid reflux. It can also be the body’s way of shaking loose mucus that has become stuck in the lungs. But most bouts of coughing don’t produce phlegm. If you are coughing up large amounts of phlegm, it can be caused by congestive heart failure or cystic fibrosis, among other respiratory issues.
Chest tightness
Sometimes with breathing problems, people experience chest tightness. This can be caused by a blockage of the respiratory system, such as bronchitis or pneumonia. It can also be due to fluid build-up in the lungs, which is why it’s essential to go see your doctor if you have these symptoms for more than three weeks. Heart issues are another common cause, so you should also seek help if you experience chest tightness along with shortness of breath.
Shortness of breath, even after mild physical activity
Shortness of breath is a symptom caused by any number of respiratory conditions and heart problems, so it’s always best to see your doctor if this is something new for you. Along with shortness of breath, people with asthma often find that they cannot complete their daily activities, such as walking the dog or climbing stairs.
Fatigue and weakness
Sometimes with breathing problems, people find themselves feeling extremely tired or weak, even after getting sleep. This can happen if the body is not getting enough oxygen to power through daily activities, so you should seek medical attention if this is something new for you.
If you have been experiencing any of these symptoms for more than 3-4 weeks, don’t wait to get an Airphysio test, it’s never too late. Go in for a check-up and they can help diagnose the cause of your breathing problems. After that, they will be able to provide the best treatment. Trust that with medical attention, there is hope.
Conclusion
We hope this article helped you become more aware of the breathing problems and what can cause these. We also hope that they help you in understanding the signs and symptoms of your respiratory issue, and we hope that they will inspire you to seek medical attention if need be. Thank you for reading.