Pulmonary · Condition
Shortness of Breath
Shortness of Breath — feeling unable to get enough air — can come from the
lungs, the heart, or both, and it always deserves an explanation.
What is Shortness of Breath?
Shortness of Breath — feeling unable to get enough air — can come from the lungs, the heart, or both, and it always deserves an explanation. Our job is to find the cause efficiently, whether it’s asthma, COPD, sleep apnea, or something else, and to relieve it.
Causes & risk factors
Lung conditions
Asthma, COPD, infection, or scarring of the lung tissue.
Heart conditions
Sometimes the heart is the source; we coordinate care when so.
Deconditioning & anxiety
Reduced fitness or anxiety can contribute.
Recognize These in Yourself or
Someone You Love?
Symptoms
Breathlessness with activity or at rest
Chest tightness
Wheezing
A feeling of not getting a full breath
Fatigue
How we diagnose it
We start with breathing tests and tailor any further testing to your story.
Treatment options
Treatment depends on the cause — and finding the cause is the first step.
Frequently asked questions
When is shortness of breath an emergency?
Sudden severe breathlessness, chest pain, or blue lips need emergency care — call 911. For ongoing or activity-related breathlessness, schedule an evaluation.
Could it be my heart?
Sometimes. We assess for both lung and heart causes and coordinate with cardiology when needed.