• Share

PRINT

Experiencing shortness of breath, medically termed dyspnea, is common. It’s a sensation where you’re uncomfortably gasping for breath, feeling suffocated, yet it’s distinct from air hunger. This could be a fleeting issue, often tied to exercise or temporary ailments like bronchitis, but for some, it becomes a persistent whisper of a deeper problem, hinting at inefficient oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange within the lungs.

Let’s go over the most common conditions linked to shortness of breath:

1. Respiratory disorders: Asthma, COPD, pneumonia, COVID-19, pulmonary embolism, pleurisy, lung cancer and pulmonary edema significantly affect lung function, making breathing a laborious task. Treatments for this may include steroid inhalers like betamethasone, or bronchodilators like albuterol, and possibly antibiotics for infection clearance.
2. Cardiovascular issues: Conditions like heart failure, cardiomyopathy, or heart attacks disrupt efficient blood pumping, limiting oxygen supply to the lungs and causing breathlessness. Treatments may include ACE inhibitors, digoxin, nitroglycerin, and/or natural supplements like CoQ10 or lifestyle changes are crucial.
3. Anemia: This condition, due to a lack of healthy red blood cells, reduces oxygen transport, leading to fatigue and shortness of breath. Blood tests can reveal anemia, with treatments including iron or vitamin supplements.
4. Anxiety and panic disorders: The physical manifestations of psychological stress or panic attacks can include episodes of shortness of breath, emphasizing the need for mental health support.
5. Obesity: Excess weight strains the heart and lungs, making minor activities feel overwhelmingly exhausting.
6. Pet allergies: For those with allergies, especially chronic asthma, pets can trigger allergies and shortness of breath. Antihistamines and inhalers can provide temporary relief.
7. Vitamin B12 and zinc deficiencies: Essential for red blood cell production and immune function, respectively, deficiencies in these nutrients can compromise respiratory health. Genetic factors like the MTHFR genetic polymorphism may also impact B12 levels impacting oxygen transport.
8. Magnesium deficiency: Crucial for muscle and nerve function, a lack of magnesium can weaken respiratory muscles, necessitating supplementation. Did you know drinking caffeinated beverages will reduce your levels of magnesium? That’s right, coffee is a drug mugger of mag!
9. Hypothyroidism: A deficiency in thyroid hormone can lead to fatigue and breathlessness, often intertwined with B12, iodine and iron deficiencies. Treatment may include hormone therapy or supplements to enhance T3 conversion.

If you’re battling unexplained shortness of breath, consulting with healthcare practitioners is paramount, especially if the problem is persistent or worsening. Multiple opinions can provide a broader perspective on your condition, aiding in uncovering the root cause.

Finding the root cause and taking care of it will allow you to embrace life more fully, and get up the stairs more easily too! Be careful with exercise if you suffer from this condition, and just work out to your comfort.

This information is opinion only. It is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Consult with your doctor. Suzy Cohen is a registered pharmacist and author of The 24-Hour Pharmacist and Real Solutions from Head to Toe.