Feeling like you can't get enough air
Overview
Feeling like you can't get enough air, also known as shortness of breath or dyspnea, is a sensation of difficulty breathing or not being able to take in sufficient oxygen. This symptom can range from mild breathlessness during physical activity to severe respiratory distress that occurs even at rest.
Common Causes
This sensation often occurs when your breathing becomes shallow or rapid due to stress, anxiety, or panic, which prevents you from taking deep, satisfying breaths. Physical exertion, poor posture, or spending time in stuffy environments can also make you feel like you're not getting adequate oxygen. Sometimes tight clothing around the chest or breathing through your mouth instead of your nose can create this uncomfortable feeling, even when your oxygen levels are actually normal.
Severity Levels
Mild: You may notice slight breathlessness during normal activities like climbing stairs or walking briskly, but you can still speak in full sentences and the feeling goes away quickly with rest.
Moderate: Breathing difficulties occur with less effort than usual, such as during light household tasks, and you may need to pause conversations to catch your breath or feel winded after short walks.
Severe: You experience significant breathing problems even while sitting still or lying down, have trouble speaking more than a few words at a time, and feel like you're struggling to get enough air despite minimal or no physical activity.
Medical Attention
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience sudden, severe breathing difficulties, chest pain, or if the sensation occurs at rest without obvious cause. Contact your healthcare provider if breathing problems persist, worsen over time, or interfere with daily activities. Call emergency services if you have trouble speaking due to breathlessness, feel dizzy or faint, or notice blue lips or fingernails.
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