ENT CONCERN

Breathing Issues

Also called: breathing, difficulty breathing, difficulty in breathing, cant breathe, shortness of breath, short of breath, breathless, breathlessness, wheezing, struggling to breathe

Breathing issues can include shortness of breath, difficulty taking a full breath, restricted airflow or feeling unusually breathless during everyday activities.

TYPICALLY OCCURS

Airway problems, respiratory conditions, infections and allergies

TREATED BY

Airway surgery, medication and underlying-cause management

ALSO LINKED TO

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Why it happens?

Breathing difficulties can develop anywhere along the respiratory pathway, from the nose and upper airway to the lungs. Nasal obstruction caused by a deviated septum, enlarged turbinates, nasal polyps, allergies or chronic inflammation can make breathing through the nose difficult. Problems affecting the throat or upper airway can also restrict airflow. Respiratory infections may temporarily cause congestion, inflammation, coughing and breathlessness, usually improving as the infection resolves.

Conditions affecting the lower airways and lungs are another important cause. Asthma can narrow and inflame the airways, while chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can cause persistent airflow limitation. Pneumonia and other infections can affect how effectively the lungs exchange oxygen. Smoking, air pollution, occupational exposures and allergens may trigger or worsen respiratory symptoms. Physical fitness, body weight, anaemia and anxiety can also influence how breathlessness is experienced, particularly during exertion.

Not all breathing problems originate in the respiratory system. The heart and circulation play an essential role in delivering oxygen around the body, so some cardiovascular conditions can cause shortness of breath, especially during activity or when lying down. Because breathing difficulty has many possible causes, the pattern of symptoms is important. Whether it develops suddenly or gradually, occurs at rest or during exercise, or is accompanied by wheezing, coughing, chest discomfort, fever or nasal obstruction can help identify the underlying problem. Persistent or unexplained breathing difficulty should therefore be medically assessed rather than assumed to have a single cause.

How far along is it?

Early

Breathlessness or restricted breathing occurs occasionally, often during exercise, illness, allergy exposure or nasal congestion, with little impact on normal activities.

Moderate

Symptoms occur more regularly or with relatively light activity. Breathlessness, wheezing, coughing or restricted airflow may begin affecting exercise, sleep or everyday tasks.

Advanced

Breathing becomes difficult during minimal activity or at rest and can substantially interfere with daily life. Significant or rapidly worsening breathlessness requires medical assessment.

What addresses it?

Treatments that address this

Turbinate reduction→Adenoidectomy→Sleep study→

Breathing issues are worth investigating when they are persistent, unexplained, becoming progressively worse or beginning to limit activities that were previously comfortable. Recurring wheezing, chronic coughing, persistent nasal obstruction or breathlessness during ordinary activities should also be professionally assessed to determine the underlying cause.

Sudden or severe difficulty breathing can be a medical emergency. Seek urgent medical help for severe breathlessness, inability to speak normally because of breathing difficulty, blue or grey lips or skin, fainting or confusion, or breathing difficulty accompanied by significant chest pain. Sudden symptoms should not be assumed to be caused by anxiety, allergies or a blocked nose without appropriate assessment.

Quick Questions:

What are the most common causes of breathing issues?

Common causes include asthma, respiratory infections, allergies and nasal obstruction. Lung conditions, heart problems, anaemia, smoking, reduced physical fitness and other medical conditions can also cause breathlessness.

Why do I feel short of breath even when I am not exercising?

Breathlessness at rest can have many causes, ranging from respiratory infections and asthma to heart or lung conditions. Anxiety can also produce a sensation of breathlessness, but new or unexplained symptoms should be medically assessed.

Can a blocked nose cause breathing difficulties?

Yes. A deviated septum, nasal polyps, allergies or swollen nasal tissues can restrict nasal airflow and make breathing through the nose uncomfortable. However, true shortness of breath or difficulty getting enough air may have another cause and should not automatically be attributed to nasal blockage.

When should I worry about difficulty breathing?

Seek medical assessment if breathing problems persist, worsen or interfere with normal activities. Sudden severe breathlessness, chest pain, fainting, confusion or blue or grey discolouration of the lips or skin requires emergency medical attention.