Breathing Difficulty - Signs, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Introduction

An individual can have difficulty breathing due to various systemic diseases. The patient feels uncomfortable obtaining the air inside the lungs. Some people have difficulty breathing for a short span, while others have for a term until the systemic condition is dealt with. It can be noticed both in adults and children. The rate of airflow decreases during inspiration and expiration. The pulmonary causes of breathing difficulty include asthma, COPD, and pulmonary embolism. The extrapulmonary causes include carbon monoxide poisoning, sudden blood loss, and obesity. The acute causes of breathing difficulty include smoking, environmental pollutants, and anaphylaxis.

What Are the Signs of Breathing Difficulties in a Person?

The person experiences a struggle to get enough oxygen. The signs of breathing difficulty must be noticed earlier and treated appropriately. The few signs of difficulty breathing are as follows;

• Respiratory Rate - The number of breaths per minute increases due to breathing difficulty. It shows that the lung is unable to utilize enough oxygen.

• Nasal Flaring - The nostrils flare up during inhalation and exhalation. It is due to the excess effort taken during breathing. If there is a wide opening of the nostrils, consult a medical professional immediately.

• Wheezing - The tightening of the air passages called bronchi makes the person more difficult to breathe. A hissing sound is heard as the person gasps for breath. It occurs due to a lack of air supply to the lungs.

• Color Changes - The area surrounding the lips shows a blue tint. The inner lining of the lips and the fingernails appear blue due to the oxygen scarcity in the bloodstream. The skin color becomes very pale and gray.

• Abnormal Sounds - Whenever the patient with a respiratory disorder takes a breath, a mild sound is heard prominently. It occurs during the opening of airways (bronchial tubes) in the lungs. A grunting sound lasts for a few seconds during each breathing cycle.

• Chest Appearance - During each breathing cycle, the outer portion of the chest appears to collapse behind the breastbone or under the neck. It gives a sinking appearance during inspiration. The chest retractions are observed under the muscles of the ribs. It arises when the individual attempts to bring more airflow.

• Sweating - The skin appears colder than usual, especially in the forehead region. There is excessive sweating in the body. This condition occurs due to an increase in the respiratory rate.

• Posture - The individual feels difficulty breathing while sitting in a straight position. So the individual changes the posture and leans forward during breathing. This is a sign of respiratory or lung collapse and is a serious condition.

What Are the Symptoms of Breathing Difficulty?

The unnoticed symptoms can eventually end in a heart attack. Take necessary measures to avoid such conditions. The symptoms of breathing difficulty are as follows;

• The patient may have a fever due to respiratory illness.

• The patient experiences difficulty or pressure in the chest area.

• There is an uncomfortable feeling of strain in the throat.

• A loud and dry cough continues for weeks.

• The patient is unable to maintain a lying position and wants to sit due to shortness of breath. It also interferes with sleep during the night.

What Are the Lung Conditions Associated With Breathing Difficulty?

Certain lung conditions result in difficulty breathing. They are as follows;

• Asthma - It involves the narrowing and obstruction of the bronchial tubes. It triggers wheezing and causes asthma. The asthmatic patient has trouble breathing due to mucus production.

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD) - It affects the respiratory tract and involves the bronchi (airways) and alveoli. The damage to the lung tissue results in inflammation of the lungs. The individual with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder has persistent breathing difficulty.

• Pulmonary Embolism - The clot lodged in the main artery of the lungs (pulmonary artery) produces hypertension and results in pulmonary embolism. It causes shortness of breath and must be treated in the emergency room. There is an abnormal heart rate, and the patient loses consciousness.

What Are the Heart Conditions Associated With Breathing Difficulty?

Oxygen is essential for the normal heart to pump blood. There are a few cardiac conditions that affect breathing. They are as follows;

• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) - It occurs due to the narrowing of arteries supplying blood to the heart. The decreased blood flow causes breathing troubles.

• Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) - In congestive heart failure the pumping efficiency of the heart is reduced due to weak cardiac muscles. This lowers oxygen distribution and results in breathing difficulty.

How to Know What Is Causing the Breathing Difficulty?

• X-rays - Since the breathing trouble is due to the lungs, any abnormality can be found using the radiographic image. It covers the airways, lungs, and bones like ribs.

• Echocardiogram (ECG) - The sound waves are used to observe the thickening of the heart tissue and the clot in a blood vessel (aorta). The abnormal functioning of the heart valves can also be observed using an echocardiogram.

• Pulmonary Function Test - The breathing condition and the efficiency of the lungs can be determined using a pulmonary function test. It is used to investigate the weakness of breathing muscles in individuals with respiratory disorders. The level of gasses (oxygen and carbon dioxide) present in the blood can be calculated during inhalation and exhalation.

The patient should consult a doctor when;

• Sudden onset of shortness of breath.

• Inability to perform physical activities due to breathing difficulties.

• Nausea.

• Excess chest pain.

• Breathing difficulty due to changes in posture, especially while lying down.

• Abnormal swelling in the ankles.

• A change in the breathing pattern.

What Are the Treatment Methods for Breathing Difficulty?

• Medication - The drugs are prescribed by the medical professional to treat systemic diseases. Bronchodilators are usually preferred for respiratory illnesses. It reduces inflammation and relieves breathing difficulty.

• Oxygen Therapy - In severe cases of difficulty breathing, artificial machines are used to provide oxygen. In hospitals, the oxygen is delivered in chambers. Portable oxygen machines can also be used in the home.

Conclusion

The patient with excess physical exertion undergoes difficulty breathing. High altitude or over-exercise, or a stuffy nose due to a cold infection can also cause breathing difficulty. However, these are transient conditions, and the body tries to recover itself. But the medical conditions must be treated. Have proper ventilation in the living room and observe the vital signs periodically. Try to avoid air pollutants in the surroundings.