Warning Sign Checklist For Breathing Issues
Shortness of breath and other breathing issues can be a great cause for concern. If you are experiencing breathing problems, it is critical to know when to seek help from a qualified professional. Here are some important factors to help you discern between common breathing issues and signs of a more serious illness.
Should You See A Doctor?
Because shortness of breath without any other symptoms can indicate a serious underlying medical condition, it is always recommended to seek treatment. Only a qualified physician can differentiate between harmless causes and more ominous ones. The most common symptoms of shortness of breath include a feeling of tightness in the chest, inability to take a deep breath, or the feeling that you aren’t getting enough air when you breathe. Shortness of breath can also be characterized by a breathing rate that is too slow or too fast.
Underlying Conditions
If you have been to a physician who has not found any known cause of your shortness of breath, yet your symptoms continue, you may want to seek a second opinion. If you can answer yes to any of the following questions, it’s important to get further testing to screen for underlying conditions:
- Is your shortness of breath accompanied by other, seemingly unrelated symptoms?
- Has your skin lost color or become pale?
- Do you feel tired or fatigued all the time?
- Have you been coughing or wheezing for a long time (more than two months)?
- Is it difficult to breathe when you lie down?
- Are your feet or ankles swollen?
The diagnosis and treatment of shortness of breath depends on the signs and symptoms you are experiencing and the suspected underlying cause. In some cases, you may be referred by your primary care physician to a pulmonologist or cardiologist for further testing, diagnosis, or treatment.
How Santé Can Help
If you are experiencing breathing problems and are being treated by a physician, our team at Santé can help you with lifestyle options that emphasize providing relief and improving your daily life functions. Our palliative support staff is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week whether you are in one of our transitional rehabilitation properties, in the hospital, or at home.
To learn more about how we can help you, contact us at Santé today.
