We aren’t usually aware of our own breathing, which is why a sudden shortness of breath can be alarming. But how do you know whether it’s an emergency, or something that can wait for a regular doctor’s appointment? We explain how to tell when shortness of breath is an emergency, and list some of the life-threatening conditions that cause this alarming symptom.
How Do You Know If Shortness of Breath Is Serious?
Shortness of breath makes you feel like you can’t get enough air into your lungs. It’s often accompanied by tightness in the chest or difficulty breathing. It can be brought on by intense exercise, a cold or flu, or even an anxiety attack.
However, it can also be caused by other, more serious illnesses. Many causes of shortness of breath are related to life-threatening conditions like severe allergic reactions, asthma attacks, heart attacks, and pneumonia.
When to Go to the Emergency Room for Shortness of Breath
If you experience sudden or intense shortness of breath, it may be a medical emergency. Go to the emergency room if you have shortness of breath combined with other symptoms like chest pain, fainting, difficulty talking, fever, confusion, coughing up blood, or an increased heart rate. In environments with high exposure to airborne hazards, advanced respiratory protection like PAPR devices can help reduce risks and prevent serious respiratory complications.
Five Life-Threatening Conditions that Cause Shortness of Breath
1: Severe Allergic Reactions (Anaphylaxis)
Pet dander, dust mites, mold, and pollen are several common allergens that can cause shortness of breath. If your allergy symptoms are mild, you can discuss them with your healthcare provider at a scheduled appointment. However, if you experience a severe allergic reaction, this is known as anaphylaxis. This is a life-threatening situation that requires immediate medical treatment.
Symptoms of anaphylaxis include:
- Skin rash or hives
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
- Shortness of breath
- Fainting or dizziness
- Stomach pain, vomiting, or diarrhea
2: Asthma Attacks
Asthma narrows the airways, making it difficult to get air in and out of the lungs. It can accompany an allergic reaction or be triggered by intense exercise. Asthma attacks can sometimes be life-threatening—go to the ER for asthma attacks if you are also feeling faint or nauseous, have a rapid pulse rate, or have severe sweating and pale, cold, moist skin.
3: Heart Attacks
Shortness of breath is one of the main signs of a heart attack, and a very good reason to go to the ER. Symptoms can vary, but often include chest pain along with cold sweats or nausea. Heart attacks are extremely serious—if you suspect that you or someone else is having a heart attack, call 911 immediately.
4: Pneumonia
Sometimes a cold or flu virus can infect your lungs and turn into pneumonia. Symptoms include a fever, coughing, chills, and difficulty breathing. Pneumonia can quickly become life-threatening, so if you have been sick and you feel like you can’t breathe, go to the ER.
5: Pulmonary Embolism
A pulmonary embolism is a life-threatening emergency caused by a blocked artery in one of your lungs. Signs of pulmonary embolism include shortness of breath, chest pain that worsens when you breathe, dizziness or fainting, and an increased heart rate.
Emergency Respiratory Care in Spring, Texas
There are many reasons you might experience shortness of breath, and some of them are definitely emergencies. If you ever need urgent medical care, Total Point ER is here to help—we’re always open. You can visit us at 8929 Spring Cypress Road in Spring, Texas, any time of day or night. And with many locations throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston areas, there’s always a Total Point ER near you.
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