Causes of dyspnea
Dyspnea is a symptom of many conditions that can cause shortness of breath. While heart and lung conditions are the most common causes, other conditions can also lead to dyspnea. Common causes of acute dyspnea include:4 Respiratory tract infections: Infections of body parts involved in breathing (for example, lungs, sinuses, or throat), such as pneumonia (a lung infection) Anaphylaxis: A severe allergic reaction Airway obstruction: A blockage in your airway (for example, caused by inhaling and choking on food) Pulmonary embolism: A blood clot in a lung that can block the flow of blood and oxygen Pneumothorax: A collapsed lung Anemia: Low red blood cell count Pregnancy, high altitude, COVID-19, a heart attack, and anxiety—especially a panic attack—can also cause sudden shortness of breath. Asthma, a chronic lung condition that causes airways to become inflamed and narrowed, can cause both acute and chronic dyspnea.4 Other common causes of chronic dyspnea include:67 Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): An inflammatory, progressive lung disease that constricts the airways Interstitial lung disease (ILD): A group of conditions that scar lung tissue Physical deconditioning: Weakened heart and lungs due to inactivity You may also experience dyspnea symptoms with advanced kidney or liver conditions, as well as with nerve and muscle disorders that affect breathing muscles