Shortness of breath

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(Redirected from Exertional dyspnea)

Shortness of breath, medically referred to as dyspnea, is a sensation of not being able to get enough air. It can be a symptom of a variety of health conditions, ranging from mild temporary conditions to serious chronic diseases.

Symptoms of Fever Cough SOB

Causes[edit | edit source]

Shortness of breath can be caused by a wide range of conditions, including:

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, a review of medical history, and various tests to determine the underlying cause. These tests may include:

  • Chest X-ray or CT scan: These imaging tests can provide information about the heart and lungs.
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG): This test records the electrical activity of the heart and can detect heart conditions that may be causing shortness of breath.
  • Pulmonary function tests: These tests measure how well the lungs are working.
  • Blood tests: These can help identify conditions such as anemia or infections.
  • Echocardiogram: This test uses sound waves to create images of the heart, and can detect problems with heart function and structure.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the shortness of breath. It may include medications, lifestyle changes, or in more severe cases, surgery.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Shortness of breath Resources
Wikipedia


Shortness of breath Resources
Wikipedia
WikiMD
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD