What is shortness of breath?

Shortness of breath is when you feel like you can't get enough air into your lungs.

It's normal to sometimes feel short of breath when you exercise or exert yourself, and your body needs more oxygen. Difficulty breathing may be a sign of a health problem.

Some health problems cause acute shortness of breath, which is when your symptoms come on suddenly. Other conditions cause chronic shortness of breath, where you often find it hard to breathe without much effort.

Your doctor may use the word 'dyspnoea' when talking about shortness of breath.

What other symptoms might I have?

Other symptoms you might have depend on what is causing your shortness of breath.

If your breathing problems are caused by a cold or a chest infection, you might also have a cough, fever, sore throat, sneezing, runny nose and congestion.

If the problem is to do with your heart, you may have difficulty breathing with exertion (physical effort) or when lying down. You might also have chest pain, leg swelling or palpitations. You may feel light-headed and nauseous.

If the problem is with your lungs, you might have a cough, a lot of mucus or a wheezing sound when you breathe. Your symptoms might get worse with exercise, or during the night.

If the problem is a panic attack, you might also experience a fast heartbeat, sweating and shaking, nausea, dizziness and a sense of being anxious or stressed.

When should I call an ambulance or go to the emergency department?

Call triple zero (000) for an ambulance if someone is short of breath and:

• they can't speak, or can only say single words or short sentences
• they have pain in their chest, arm or jaw
• their skin is sweaty and pale
• their lips are blue
• they are drowsy or confused

See your doctor straight away or go to the hospital emergency department if you are short of breath and you:

• have swollen feet or ankles
• feel more short of breath when you lie down
• have fever, chills and a cough
• make wheezing noises when you breathe
• are coughing up blood
• are getting worse over time

See your doctor if you notice you are becoming short of breath with less effort or exertion.

What should I do while I wait for an ambulance?

While you are waiting, try to stay calm. Sit upright and try to have someone with you if possible.

If you have asthma, take 4 puffs of your reliever puffer and use it as your doctor prescribes. Take 4 more puffs every 4 minutes until help arrives. Remember that your preventer won't help relieve symptoms during an exacerbation.

What causes shortness of breath?

You might feel short of breath if you are living with obesity or if you have just done some strenuous exercise. The less fit you are, the more breathless you will feel when you exert yourself.

You may feel short of breath if you are pregnant or at high altitude.

Health problems that can cause shortness of breath include:

• lung problems, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or lung cancer
• heart problems, such as a heart attack or heart failure
• infections of your airways, such as croup, bronchitis, pneumonia, COVID-19, flu or even a cold
• a panic attack or anxiety
• allergic reactions
• pulmonary embolism
• anaemia

How is shortness of breath investigated?

Your doctor will ask about your other symptoms and examine you. They can measure your oxygen levels with a small device that clips onto your finger.

They may arrange for you to have some tests, such as:

• an x-ray or CT scan of your chest
• blood tests
• lung function (breathing) tests
• an electrocardiogram (ECG) to check your heart
• an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart)

How is shortness of breath treated?

Treatment depends on what is causing your shortness of breath. It also depends on how unwell you feel and how suddenly it has come on.

Treatments may include:

• breathing oxygen through a mask or nasal prongs
• help to quit smoking
• medicines such as puffers (inhalers)
• respiratory physiotherapy and breathing exercises
• surgery

Here are some things you can do to make breathing easier:

• Learn breathing techniques such as pursed-lip breathing, diaphragmatic breathing and yoga breathing.
• Sit upright and blow cold air on yourself with a small fan.
• Learn relaxation techniques to calm yourself down.

Can shortness of breath be prevented?

If you smoke, it's important to quit. Quitting smoking can help prevent you developing lung problems. If you already have a lung problem, quitting smoking will make breathing easier.

If you are living with overweight or obesity, losing weight can prevent shortness of breath.

Here are some things you can do to help prevent difficulty breathing:

• Take all medicines that your doctor has prescribed for your breathing.
• Make sure you know how to use your inhaler device.
• Take your time doing tasks that make it hard for you to breathe.
• Stay away from people who are smoking.
• Use pillows to prop yourself up when you sleep.

Resources and support

Visit Lung Foundation Australia for more information and for videos about how to use your inhaler device. You can also ask your local pharmacist for advice on how to use your inhaler correctly.

To find out more about how to quit smoking, call 13 7848 or visit Quitline.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Languages other than English

If you want to quit smoking, call Quitline on 13 7848. If you prefer to speak in a language other than English, ask for an interpreter and Quitline will call you back as soon as an interpreter for your language becomes available.

Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

If you want to talk about quitting smoking, call Quitline on 13 7848 and ask to speak with a counsellor for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities.