Why You Shouldn't Ignore Shortness of Breath

Shortness of breath could come from something as simple as physical exertion or altitude. But it could also result from a severe medical condition, so it’s not a symptom you should ignore. 

Fortunately, if you are experiencing shortness of breath, David Bolon, MD, and our team at Manhattan Integrative Cardiovascular can help. At our office in Midtown East Manhattan, New York City, we work with you to determine what’s causing your breathing difficulties. 

Why seeing a doctor matters

Some people experience regular shortness of breath because of physical deconditioning. Even though this might not feel like a medically pressing reason for trouble breathing, it still matters. If you get winded walking up a flight of stairs, for example, it’s a sign your cardiovascular health would benefit from more regular physical activity. 

Plus, that shortness of breath could stem from something you must treat immediately. It could be a symptom of:

• A heart attack
• A lung infection (pneumonia)
• A panic attack
• A problem with your heart muscle (cardiomyopathy)
• A respiratory infection
• A serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
• An asthma attack
• Arrhythmia
• Coronary artery disease (CAD)
• Fluid buildup by your heart (cardiac tamponade)
• Heart failure
• High blood pressure in your lungs (pulmonary hypertension)
• Inflammation of the membranous sac around your heart (pericarditis)

This list isn’t complete, either; many conditions can trigger shortness of breath. 

If your shortness of breath comes on suddenly and you can’t think of a reason for it (like physical exertion), seek medical care right away. 

Figuring out the cause of your shortness of breath

It’s easier for Dr. Bolon and our team to find out what’s behind your breathing difficulties when you can tell us about other symptoms you’re experiencing. 

Think carefully about any changes you’ve observed. For example, if you’ve felt like your heart is fluttering, that could point us in the direction of arrhythmia. Or if you’ve had trouble breathing when you lie flat and notice swelling in your legs, we might look for other signs of heart failure. 

Dr. Bolon uses multiple tools to evaluate your heart and lungs and determine what’s going on, including lab tests like an echocardiogram or a stress test. 

Ultimately, we’re here to help you find the root cause of your shortness of breath and start any treatment you need to protect your overall health. To get care for your shortness of breath, call our team at (716) 303-4738 or book your appointment online today.