I’ve been treated for arthritis for 27 years and tried many medications to control pain. Right now, I seem to be on a treatment plan that is working, so I don’t feel so much pain that I don’t want to get out of bed in the morning.
My doctor always asks me if I am short of breath when I come in for an appointment. I have always said no because I thought it just happened after an intense session of exercise. However, I am noticing more in the morning that I do have trouble catching my breath.
It happened when I first woke up in the morning and getting in and out of the shower. I remember one time in the kitchen when I had to hang onto the kitchen counter because I was afraid, I might faint.
I am like an armchair detective when I feel like something is wrong, so I want to get all the facts before deciding what to do next.
What is Shortness of Breath?
“Shortness of breath is a symptom that can be associated with many conditions, primarily heart and lung conditions. Both of these are incredibly important organs, so it’s never a good idea to ignore shortness of breath or treat it lightly,” says Dr. Zeenat Safdar, a pulmonologist at Houston Methodist Lung Center.
Other conditions that may cause shortness of breath:
- Obesity
- Anxiety or panic attack
- Being out of shape
- Exercise-induced asthma
- Prolonged sitting
- Hormone imbalance
Menopausal women are likely to experience an accelerated decline in lung function, leading to an increase in shortness of breath, reduced work capacity, and fatigue, according to author Kai Triebner from the University of Bergen in Norway.
Symptoms
Shortness of breath may feel like you have a tightness in your chest, or you can’t get enough air in. It may feel worse when you are exercising or lying down flat.
Diagnosis
Your doctor may order blood tests to measure your blood oxygen saturation and blood gases. A chest ex-ray or CT scan can evaluate the condition of your lungs.
An echocardiogram checks the structure of the heart and surrounding blood vessels, analyzing how blood flows through them, and assessing the pumping chambers of the heart.
Lifestyle Changes
Your doctor may prescribe medication, but making some lifestyle changes is a good place to start:
- Don’t smoke
- Avoid second-hand smoke
- Stay at a healthy weight
- Avoid exposure to pollutants, allergens, and environmental toxins
- Eat a healthy diet, exercise, and get enough sleep
- Get treatment for any underlying medical conditions
- Stay current on vaccinations such as flu, and the coronavirus.
Over-the-Counter Medications
Before your doctor gives you prescription medication, try over-the-counter medications such as Mucinex, that break up phlegm from common respiratory infections like bronchitis, influenza, or the common cold.
If you’re like me and suffer from seasonal allergies, antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl), cetirizine (Zyrtec), and loratadine (Claritin) can relieve nasal congestion.
Take medications such as Sudafed to dry up mucus from a respiratory illness.
Prescription Medications
Once your tests are complete, and you have an accurate diagnosis, it may be time for some stronger medication.
Bronchodilators – These drugs work by opening (or dilating) the lung passages, and offering relief of symptoms, including shortness of breath.
It is typically given by inhalation (aerosol) but is also available in pill form.
I take Fluticasone, which helps my breathing. I take two sprays in each nostril twice a day. If I forget or take less than the dosage, I can feel myself getting congested.
There are so many things that cause shortness of breath, so work closely with your doctor and ask any questions you have about your medications.
Final Thoughts
Try these tips and see if they work for you. Shortness of breath that comes on suddenly could be a sign of a medical emergency, so seek immediate care.
