Dyspnea is a medical term that describes shortness of breath—the uncomfortable sensation of having difficulty breathing. It's common to experience short episodes of dyspnea. For example, you might experience it during an intense workout or when you have a stuffy nose. However, shortness of breath can be a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as heart disease, asthma, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).1 Healthcare providers diagnose dyspnea by asking about your symptoms, evaluating your breathing pattern, and ordering various diagnostic tests. Treatment options vary depending on the severity of symptoms and the underlying cause.