Few sensations are as frightening as not being able to get enough air. Shortness of breath — known medically as dyspnea — is often described as an intense tightening in the chest, air hunger, difficulty breathing, breathlessness or a feeling of suffocation.

Very strenuous exercise, extreme temperatures, obesity and higher altitude all can cause shortness of breath in a healthy person. Outside of these examples, shortness of breath is likely a sign of a medical problem.

If you have unexplained shortness of breath, especially if it comes on suddenly and is severe, see your doctor as soon as possible.

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June 13, 2020

See also

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  2. Acute coronary syndrome
  3. Acute kidney failure
  4. Acute lymphocytic leukemia
  5. Acute myelogenous leukemia
  6. Albuterol side effects
  7. Allergies
  8. allergies and asthma: they often occur together
  9. allergy-proof your home
  10. Alpha-gal syndrome
  11. Amyloidosis
  12. Anemia
  13. Angina
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  24. Asbestosis
  25. Ascariasis
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  27. Aspirin allergy
  28. Asthma
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  32. Asthma diet
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