Shortness of breath, or dyspnea, may affect people during any time of the day.
If you or someone you know suffers from dyspnea, you know the symptoms: it feels as though you’re starving for air.
Austin Pulmonary Consultants usually sees dyspnea present alongside other pulmonary conditions, including asthma, pleural disease, COPD, interstitial lung disease, lung cancer, sarcoidosis, and obesity. However, completely healthy people sometimes come into our office, too, sharing that shortness of breath occurs during strenuous exercise, extreme temperatures, or at high altitudes.
The potential causes are many such that additional testing is frequently required.
This may include imaging tests, lung function testing, and laboratory testing to find the underlying condition(s). Once we know the cause, we can begin treatment. Treatment and care for COPD and asthma, for instance, typically employ quick-relief and long-term controller medication. Depending on the underlying cause of shortness of breath, other medications such as steroids may be used. Supplemental oxygen may be required for patients whose oxygen levels are low.
If you are experiencing shortness of breath, set up an appointment with Austin Pulmonary Consultants today at our North Office at (512) 977-0123 or South Office at (512) 441-9799.
Additional information about shortness of breath can be found on our resources page.
