When Breathing Becomes a Battle

Many of us are aware that shortness of breath or dyspnoea is a possible symptom of COVID-19, but there are other possible reasons why one may experience this issue. People that experience frequent or unusual shortness of breath need to be aware that this could be a warning sign that something may be amiss with their heart or lungs.

WORDS LIM TECK CHOON

FEATURED EXPERT DR TEE CHEE HIAN Consultant Cardiologist Sunway Medical Centre Velocity

“As the heart and lungs are two organ systems are so intertwined, one always affects the other. In fact, about 60% of people with heart disease also have a lung disease,” Dr Tee Chee Hian says.

STRAIGHT TO THE HEART

Dr Tee points out that shortness of breath can be triggered by cardiovascular problems.

Sudden Shortness of Breath

• Usually, shortness of breath occurs suddenly, when one is experiencing a heart attack or pulmonary embolism.
• Pulmonary embolism is the result of a blood clot breaking free from a vein in the leg or pelvis and lodging itself in the lungs.

Shortness of Breath Over a Period of Time

• Shortness of breath may also be experienced over a period of time, typically during physical activity.
• Dr Tee explains that this can be due to:
  • Stiffening and narrowing of the aortic valve in the heart (aortic stenosis).
  • Heart rhythm disorders.
  • Coronary artery diseases.
  • Heart failure.
• In such a situation, shortness of breath may also be accompanied by:
  • Swelling in the legs.
  • Chest pain.
  • Dizziness.
  • Lethargy.

DON’T LEAVE ME BREATHLESS

FEATURED EXPERT DR NURUL YAQEEN MOHD ESA Consultant Respiratory and Internal Medicine Physician Sunway Medical Centre Velocity

Dr Nurul Yaqeen Mohd Esa shares that shortness of breath may also be a sign of acute or chronic respiratory diseases.

• Chest tightness or wheezing may be caused by asthma.
• However, worsening problems could be a red flag for:
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a lung disease that makes breathing difficult because the airways are damaged, often from smoking. Includes bronchitis and emphysema.
  • Pneumonia.
  • Pulmonary fibrosis (scarring of the lungs).
  • Tuberculosis.
  • Lung cancer.
  • Bronchiectasis, a lung problem where damaged airways fill with mucus, leading to frequent chest infections and trouble breathing.
  • Fungal lung infection.

WHEN SHOULD YOU SEE A DOCTOR? 

• When you experience unexplained shortness of breath experienced for the first time.
• When it occurs while you are at rest (not doing any strenuous physical activity).
• When the shortness of breath is accompanied by chest pain or pressure, light headedness, and/or sweating.
• When you experience worsening shortness of breath while having a history of heart failure, asthma, or emphysema.