Shortness of breath

Shortness of breath is feeling like you can't get enough air. It is normal during hard exercise. New breathlessness at rest, or with chest pain, needs care right away.

When to get care

If you think it's an emergency, call 911 now. Don't wait to read this page.

When should I get care for shortness of breath?

Find the first group that matches. Each one is a MySymptom care level, from most to least urgent.

  1. Call 911 now

    • Severe trouble breathing, or not able to speak in full sentences
    • Blue or gray lips or fingernails
    • Shortness of breath with chest pain or pressure

  2. Go to the ER now

    • Sudden shortness of breath with one swollen leg, or after surgery or a long trip (possible blood clot)

  3. Get seen today

    • New shortness of breath or wheezing that does not go away

  4. Call your doctor today

    • Waking up gasping, or getting breathless when you lie flat
    • Breathlessness with swollen legs or quick weight gain

  5. Book a visit

    • Getting out of breath doing things that used to be easy
    • A cough or wheeze that lasts for weeks

What does shortness of breath feel like?

Shortness of breath might feel like air hunger, chest tightness, an inability to take a deep breath, or rapid breathing. Some people feel it most when lying flat, others mainly with exertion. It may come with wheezing, cough, lightheadedness, or chest discomfort. Pay attention to whether it's new, worsening, or stable.

What causes shortness of breath?

Shortness of breath, known medically as dyspnea, is the uncomfortable sensation of needing more air than you're getting. It can range from mild breathlessness during a flight of stairs to severe air hunger at rest. The lungs and heart are the most common sources, but anxiety, anemia, deconditioning, and many other factors can also play a role.

New, sudden, or severe shortness of breath should always be taken seriously. Even when the cause turns out to be relatively benign, breathing difficulty is the kind of symptom that's better evaluated than ignored. Tracking what triggers it (exercise, lying down, certain positions, exposure to allergens), how long it lasts, and what eases it gives you and any clinician useful clues.

  • Asthma

    Inflammation and narrowing of the airways causes wheezing, shortness of breath, and cough, often triggered by allergens, exercise, cold air, or respiratory infections.

  • Allergies and upper airway issues

    Severe nasal congestion or post-viral airway irritation can leave breathing feeling effortful even without a true lung problem.

  • Anxiety and panic attacks

    Hyperventilation and a feeling of not being able to breathe are core features of panic attacks and can mimic many physical conditions.

  • Deconditioning

    If you've been less active for a while, shortness of breath with mild exertion may simply reflect lost cardiorespiratory fitness, and improves with gradual activity.

  • Anemia

    Low red blood cell counts mean less oxygen carried in the blood, leading to breathlessness with effort, often with fatigue and pale skin.

  • Heart conditions

    Heart failure or coronary artery disease can cause shortness of breath, especially with activity, lying flat, or waking from sleep gasping.

  • Lung conditions

    COPD, pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, and other lung problems can all cause breathlessness, often with cough or chest discomfort.

How can I ease shortness of breath at home?

We don't list home care for new shortness of breath. Get it checked first.

Common questions about shortness of breath

How do I know if my breathing is dangerous or just uncomfortable?

Worry signs include severe breathlessness at rest, blue lips or fingertips, inability to speak in full sentences, and shortness of breath with chest pain or fainting. Any of these warrant emergency evaluation.

Is it asthma or anxiety?

They can feel similar. Asthma usually involves wheezing, cough, and clear triggers (exercise, cold air, allergens) and responds to inhalers. Anxiety-related breathing trouble often comes with chest tightness, tingling, and a sense of impending doom but normal lung function. A clinician can help sort it out.

Why am I more breathless lying down?

Breathlessness when lying flat (orthopnea) can suggest fluid issues in the lungs, heart conditions, severe asthma, or significant nasal congestion. New orthopnea deserves evaluation.

Can I exercise if I get short of breath easily?

Usually yes, and gradual aerobic exercise often improves it. But have any new exertional breathlessness checked first to rule out heart and lung causes before pushing your training.

Sources

Written by Arhaan Delawalla from the public guidance above. Not reviewed by a clinician. Updated .

MySymptom gives general health information. It is not medical advice and can't tell you for sure what is causing your symptoms. If you are worried, contact a clinician. In an emergency, call your local emergency number. How answers work