Labored

Labored refers to a type of breathing that is strenuous, difficult, or heavy. It is often a symptom of various medical conditions, including respiratory diseases, heart diseases, and neurological disorders. Labored breathing can be a serious medical emergency that requires immediate attention.

Causes of Labored Breathing

Labored breathing can be caused by a variety of conditions, including:

• Asthma: A chronic condition that inflames and narrows the airways, causing difficulty in breathing.
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): A group of lung diseases that block airflow and make it difficult to breathe.
• Pneumonia: An infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, which may fill with fluid.
• Heart failure: A condition in which the heart can't pump enough blood to meet the body's needs, causing shortness of breath.
• Pulmonary edema: A condition caused by excess fluid in the lungs, which can result in difficulty breathing.

Symptoms of Labored Breathing

Symptoms of labored breathing can vary depending on the underlying cause, but may include:

• Shortness of breath
• Rapid breathing
• Wheezing
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Fatigue
• Dizziness

Treatment of Labored Breathing

Treatment for labored breathing depends on the underlying cause. It may include:

• Medications: Such as bronchodilators for asthma or diuretics for heart failure.
• Oxygen therapy: To help ensure the body gets the oxygen it needs.
• Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be needed to treat the underlying condition causing labored breathing.

See Also

• Respiratory system
• Respiratory therapy
• Pulmonology