I Can't Breathe!!!!!!!!!

At least 50% of us have faced this situation at some point of our lives. Generally this is known as the shortness of breath and this can be a result of several causes. Shortness of breath is mainly due to lung diseases or cardiac problems. As I told you earlier, many of us have faced this problem at some point of our lives and sometimes this is just temporary so that we don't have to panic. But if this symptom prevails for a longer period of time and slow s down your daily activities, then you should definitely seek medical advice.

If shortness of breath is due to a lung problem the following symptoms may occur at several situations.

• Allergens- Breathing contaminated air with allergy causing agents.
• Shortness of breath with deep cough and yellowish phlegm
• Shortness of breath with fever, cold and cough
• Shortness of breath with a whistle like sound (like Asthma)

If such symptoms arise, then we can conclude this is due to a lung problem or a respiratory disorder. If shortness of breath occurs due to cardiac or circulatory system problem, the symptoms that can occur are,

• shortness of breath while light exercising
• shortness of breath while sleeping using only one pillow
• shortness of breath with a chest pain
• shortness of breath with leg pain and swollen ankles

Such symptoms arise due to the state Pulmonary Oedema aka swollen lungs. Also Haemorragic Shock, Kidney Failure and Defects in Thyroid gland and cancer situations in the brain can cause shortness of breath.

Lung related diseases that cause shortness of breath

• Asthma
• Pneumonia
• Tuberculosis
• Lung Cancers
• Pulmonary Embolism- Blockage of pulmonary artery causing symptoms like severe shortness of breath,  excess sweating, bluing of body etc.

Heart related diseases that cause shortness of breath

• Heart Failure- weakening of heart to pump blood and blood gets collected in lungs
• Heart Arrhythmias- weakening of heart and unable to pump blood out of heart
• Pericarditis- inflammation of pericardium

What can we do at such situations????

Whenever such a situation arise, first of all we should not panic or should not panic the patient. 

It is vital that we direct the patient to a doctor as quickly as possible. 

If a chest pain comes with the shortness of breath, give an Aspirin to place under the tongue. 

Let fresh air get in contact with the patient and place the patient's head in a position that he/she could easily breathe using several pillows.

If phlegm comes out from the patient's mouth or nose constantly, turn him to left side. 

Calm down the surrounding of the patient and avoid unwanted fears and cries and reach for a doctor as soon as possible.

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