Shortness of breath - Causes, symptoms and treatment. MF.

Shortness of breath is a subjective sensation of lack of air, especially worse with physical exertion.

Diseases that can lead to the appearance of dyspnea:

Dyspnea may be associated with cardiovascular and respiratory system pathologies. Pain behind the breastbone and shortness of breath may be a symptom of an acute myocardial infarction. With the defeat of coronary arteries, pain and dyspnea arise and intensify mainly with physical activity, but at the same time, shortness of breath during physical exertion can be a symptom of the development of an aneurysm of the thoracic aorta with the appearance of an obstruction to the blood flow in the coronary arteries. With the development of stratification of the thoracic aorta, shortness of breath can pass into a fit of suffocation in connection with a mechanical obstruction of the respiratory system, as well as the development of acute heart failure with large acute blood loss.

Shortness of breath, especially when combined with chest pain and a tendency to lower blood pressure, may be not only a symptom of the development of a thoracic aortic aneurysm rupture, but also one of the main manifestations of pulmonary embolism due to the migration of thrombus pieces through the venous system with deep vein thrombosis.

Possible causes of dyspnea:

1) Heart and Vessel Diseases:

Angina pectoris.
Myocardial infarction.
Increased blood pressure.
The dissecting aneurysm of the thoracic aorta and its rupture.
Thromboembolism of the pulmonary artery and infarct pneumonia.
Heart failure.

2) Diseases of the respiratory system.

Pneumonia.
Pleurisy.
Bronchitis.
Tracheitis.
. Oncological diseases.

3) Diseases of the nervous system.

Neuroses.

4) Diseases of the blood

With the development of tumor processes in the mediastinum.
What should I do if I have shortness of breath?

Consult a physician immediately to determine the cause of dyspnea and to determine the tactics of treatment.

Treatment of dyspnea

Self-treatment errors:

Progression of the disease and the development of complications and life-threatening conditions. For example, with the development of the dissecting aortic aneurysm, the probability of its rupture is great, which causes internal bleeding, often leading to the development of acute cardiovascular insufficiency and death in acute blood loss. With the development of massive pulmonary thromboembolism, in the absence of timely examination and treatment, acute respiratory and cardiac insufficiency may develop, which also leads to the development of a life-threatening condition.

What kind of doctors can help if there is shortness of breath?

Therapist or general practitioner( family doctor)
Cardiologist
Vascular surgeon
Pulmonologist
Neurologist
Oncologist
Anesthesiologist-resuscitator( in critical condition with development of life-threatening complications)