Shortness of breath

Shortness of breath is a health symptom with many possible causes, some minor and some needing medical assessment. Learn the warning signs, helpful questions to consider, and when to seek care.

🚨 Signs that need emergency care now

• 🔴 Struggling to speak in full sentences because of breathlessness
• 🔴 Blue or grey lips, face or nails
• 🔴 Sudden, severe or fast-worsening breathlessness
• 🔴 Chest pain or pressure with breathlessness
• 🔴 Swelling of the face, lips or tongue, especially after a medicine or food
• 🔴 Fainting, confusion or extreme drowsiness

Do not drive yourself if the pain or dizziness is severe.

What to do until help arrives

• Call 997 if it is severe or getting worse.
• Sit upright, leaning slightly forward, and get fresh air.
• If you have a prescribed asthma inhaler, use it as directed.
• Breathe slowly in through the nose and out through the mouth, and do not stay alone.

Serious conditions doctors rule out first

• Severe asthma or anaphylaxis
• Pulmonary embolism
• Severe pneumonia
• Heart failure or a heart rhythm problem
• Collapsed lung (pneumothorax)

Sources for the warning signs

• NHS — Shortness of breath

Questions that help clarify the picture

1. When did Shortness of breath start, and was the onset sudden or gradual?
2. How severe is it now, and does it limit normal activity or sleep?
3. Does it get better or worse with movement, food, standing, rest, or a particular time?
4. Did any other new or unusual symptoms start with it?

When should I seek medical care?

Seek medical review if the symptom is severe, concerningly new, persistent, or worsening. If a clear red flag appears, seek emergency care immediately.

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This page is general educational information, not a medical consultation. If symptoms are severe or worrying, contact a healthcare professional.