When you feel out of breath, sometimes you can sit, relax and catch your breath, but other times, your trouble breathing may be linked to a more serious condition. It may even be a sign you need prompt medical attention to avoid a potentially fatal situation. There are some serious illnesses that may cause you to have trouble breathing. 

Heart Attack

While the most common symptom of a heart attack is chest pain, another common sign is trouble breathing. If you have chest pain that feels crushing, heavy or tight along with breathing difficulty, nausea, vomiting, pale skin and a feeling of being lightheaded, you need emergency medical attention. 

A heart attack occurs when an artery of the heart has spasm or is blocked, resulting in part of the heart not receiving enough oxygen. When your heart does not get enough blood the injured part of it dies. The sooner you receive medical care, the less damage you may have to your heart, and the more likely you are to survive. 

Chronic Kidney Failure

A typical symptom of kidney failure is urinating less than usual. However, you may also experience symptoms such as vomiting, tiredness and develop shortness of breath. You may also become irritable, notice a bad taste in your mouth, have a headache, have muscle aches, and experience numbness of the hands and feet.

Chronic kidney failure is a serious and long-term disease where the kidneys lose some of their ability to filter wastes from your blood and expel them through your urine. Kidney failure can come gradually or suddenly, so if these symptoms come on quickly call your doctor immediately. If the condition is left untreated, it can lead to death.

Pulmonary Embolism 

Trouble breathing is the most common symptoms of a pulmonary embolism. Along with difficulty breathing, you may also have sudden chest pain that gets worse when you take a deep breath. Other symptoms include coughing up blood, faintness, racing heart, and a low-grade fever. 

If a pulmonary embolism is not treated right away, part of your lung can die. You need to see your doctor immediately; you can be treated promptly and reduce the chances of dying or getting another potentially-fatal pulmonary embolism. 

Congestive Heart Failure

Trouble breathing is a typical symptom of congestive heart failure. Breathing trouble is more common while you are exercising or lying down.You may also lose your appetite, feel tired and notice that your legs and feet are swollen. 

While a doctor can control the disease using medications, you need to get prompt medical treatment. You may need oxygen to help you breathe and have tests done to find out why you have congestive heart failure. Some reasons for the disease include high blood pressure, heart disease, heart infections, and problems with your heart valves. 

Anytime you have trouble breathing that does not get better with rest or that accompanies other symptoms, you need to seek medical attention immediately. 

For more information trouble breathing, contact a business such as Family Allergy & Asthma Clinic.

Share