Extremely heavy exercise, extreme temperatures, massive obesity and high altitude can all be a cause of breathlessness in healthy people. Beyond this example, shortness of breath is probably a sign of a medical problem. Therefore, if you experience shortness of breath that can not be explained, especially coming suddenly and severely, see a doctor as soon as possible. Most cases of shortness of breath are caused by heart or lung conditions. Both these organs play an important role to supply oxygen to all organs of the body and release carbon dioxide and other gross substances. The disruption of the processes of these two organs can affect your breathing, which can ultimately lead to shortness of breath.
Judging from the onset and duration of congestion attacks, the cause of shortness of breath is divided into two, namely acute and chronic.
The Cause of Shortness of Breath
Acute Shortness of breath that comes suddenly and the duration is relatively short, ie minutes, hours, until the day is called acute. The causes of acute shortness of breath include:
1. Asthma (Bronchospasm) Bronchospasm is a term used to describe an unusual narrowing of the airways. People who experience bronchospasm attacks may have mild to severe breathing difficulties, depending on airway constriction. Extensive airway constriction can cause shortness of breath suddenly. Typical symptoms that often accompany is the sound of wheezing when breathing.
When the airway narrows during bronchospasm, the patient may experience pain, pressure or tightness in the chest. People who experience sudden and severe chest pain should seek medical care immediately, because symptoms of bronchospasm attack like this can be similar to a heart attack sign.
2. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs after inhaling too much carbon monoxide (CO). Symptoms of poisoning in acute or mild stages such as, confusion or confusion, headaches, feels like a spinning world, and flu-like effects. Larger exposure can cause toxicity of the central nervous system and heart, which can result in death. After acute poisoning, long-term problems can occur.
Carbon monoxide also has a negative effect on the condition of the baby to be born, if the mother is exposed during pregnancy. Chronic exposure to low levels of carbon monoxide can cause depression and confusion.
3. Heart Tamponade (Excess Liquid Around the Heart)
Heart tamponade is a serious medical condition in which blood or fluid fills space between the sacs that wrap around the heart and heart muscle. This condition makes extreme pressure on the heart organ. This pressure makes the heart unable to function properly, so the heart can not pump enough blood into your body parts. This event can cause organ failure, shock, or even death.
Cardiac tamponade has the following symptoms:
- Anxiety.
- Low blood pressure.
- Chest pain radiating to the neck, shoulders, or back.
- Difficulty breathing or pulling-deep breathing.
- Breathe fast and tight.
- Fainting, dizziness, and loss of consciousness. Get medical help immediately if you experience symptoms.
4. Hernia Hernia
The hiatus hernia occurs when the abdomen moves upward through the diaphragm. The diaphragm usually has a small (hiatus) hole connecting the esophagus and stomach. The stomach can stick out through this hole and cause a hiatus hernia. In most cases, a small hiatus hernia does not pose a problem, and you may never know you have this disease unless you actually go to a doctor.
Most small hiatus hernias cause no signs or symptoms. However, a larger hiatus hernia can cause signs and symptoms such as:
- Heartburn
- Belching
- Difficulty swallowing
- Pain in the chest or stomach
- Vomiting blood
5. Heart Failure
Heart failure, often referred to as congestive heart failure (CHF), occurs when the heart is unable to pump blood to its fullest to meet the body's needs. Signs and symptoms that usually occur among others: shortness of breath, excessive fatigue, and leg swelling.
6. Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)
Low blood pressure, or also called hypotension, is low enough blood pressure so that blood flow to the body organs is inadequate. This condition can cause dizziness and fainting. In severe cases, low blood pressure can be life threatening. The causes of low blood pressure can range from dehydration to serious medical disorders. It is important to know what causes your blood pressure to be low so that it can be treated. Symptoms such as, dizziness to feel like hovering, fainting, blurred vision, nausea, fatigue and lack of concentration.
7. Pneumonia (Lung Infection)
Pneumonia is an infection of one or both lungs. Can be caused by fungi, bacteria, or viruses. Pneumonia causes inflammation in the air sacs of the lungs, or alveoli. Alveoli filled with fluid or pus, making the sufferer difficult to breathe.
Judging from the onset and duration of congestion attacks, the cause of shortness of breath is divided into two, namely acute and chronic.
The Cause of Shortness of Breath
Acute Shortness of breath that comes suddenly and the duration is relatively short, ie minutes, hours, until the day is called acute. The causes of acute shortness of breath include:
1. Asthma (Bronchospasm) Bronchospasm is a term used to describe an unusual narrowing of the airways. People who experience bronchospasm attacks may have mild to severe breathing difficulties, depending on airway constriction. Extensive airway constriction can cause shortness of breath suddenly. Typical symptoms that often accompany is the sound of wheezing when breathing.
When the airway narrows during bronchospasm, the patient may experience pain, pressure or tightness in the chest. People who experience sudden and severe chest pain should seek medical care immediately, because symptoms of bronchospasm attack like this can be similar to a heart attack sign.
2. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs after inhaling too much carbon monoxide (CO). Symptoms of poisoning in acute or mild stages such as, confusion or confusion, headaches, feels like a spinning world, and flu-like effects. Larger exposure can cause toxicity of the central nervous system and heart, which can result in death. After acute poisoning, long-term problems can occur.
Carbon monoxide also has a negative effect on the condition of the baby to be born, if the mother is exposed during pregnancy. Chronic exposure to low levels of carbon monoxide can cause depression and confusion.
3. Heart Tamponade (Excess Liquid Around the Heart)
Heart tamponade is a serious medical condition in which blood or fluid fills space between the sacs that wrap around the heart and heart muscle. This condition makes extreme pressure on the heart organ. This pressure makes the heart unable to function properly, so the heart can not pump enough blood into your body parts. This event can cause organ failure, shock, or even death.
Cardiac tamponade has the following symptoms:
- Anxiety.
- Low blood pressure.
- Chest pain radiating to the neck, shoulders, or back.
- Difficulty breathing or pulling-deep breathing.
- Breathe fast and tight.
- Fainting, dizziness, and loss of consciousness. Get medical help immediately if you experience symptoms.
4. Hernia Hernia
The hiatus hernia occurs when the abdomen moves upward through the diaphragm. The diaphragm usually has a small (hiatus) hole connecting the esophagus and stomach. The stomach can stick out through this hole and cause a hiatus hernia. In most cases, a small hiatus hernia does not pose a problem, and you may never know you have this disease unless you actually go to a doctor.
Most small hiatus hernias cause no signs or symptoms. However, a larger hiatus hernia can cause signs and symptoms such as:
- Heartburn
- Belching
- Difficulty swallowing
- Pain in the chest or stomach
- Vomiting blood
5. Heart Failure
Heart failure, often referred to as congestive heart failure (CHF), occurs when the heart is unable to pump blood to its fullest to meet the body's needs. Signs and symptoms that usually occur among others: shortness of breath, excessive fatigue, and leg swelling.
6. Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)
Low blood pressure, or also called hypotension, is low enough blood pressure so that blood flow to the body organs is inadequate. This condition can cause dizziness and fainting. In severe cases, low blood pressure can be life threatening. The causes of low blood pressure can range from dehydration to serious medical disorders. It is important to know what causes your blood pressure to be low so that it can be treated. Symptoms such as, dizziness to feel like hovering, fainting, blurred vision, nausea, fatigue and lack of concentration.
7. Pneumonia (Lung Infection)
Pneumonia is an infection of one or both lungs. Can be caused by fungi, bacteria, or viruses. Pneumonia causes inflammation in the air sacs of the lungs, or alveoli. Alveoli filled with fluid or pus, making the sufferer difficult to breathe.