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Breathing problems are one of the symptoms of COVID-19. Even if your symptoms are mild, get tested for COVID-19 immediately — use the breathing problems Symptom Checker if you're not sure what to do. Show
What are breathing problems?Breathing problems are when you feel you can’t get enough air, your chest feels very tight, you are breathless or you feel like you’re being suffocated. You might feel short of breath if you are obese or if you have just done some strenuous exercise. It can also happen in extreme temperatures or if you are at high altitude. If you have breathing problems for any other reason, it is probably the sign of a medical problem. When should I call an ambulance or go to the emergency department?You should call triple zero (000) for an ambulance if:
Make an appointment to see your doctor or consider going to an emergency department if, as well as being out of breath, you:
What should I do while waiting for an ambulance?While you are waiting, try to stay calm. Sit upright and make sure you have someone with you if possible. If you have asthma, take 4 puffs of your blue or grey reliever puffer. Take 4 more puffs every 4 minutes until help arrives. What causes breathing problems?Common causes of feeling short of breath are:
Other causes of suddenly feeling short of breath are:
Some people feel short of breath long term. This can be caused by:
What other symptoms might I have?If your breathing problems are caused by a cold or chest infection, you might also have a cough, fever, sore throat, sneezing, blocked or runny nose and general congestion. If the problem is to do with your heart, you might also have chest pain, feel light-headed and nauseous. If you have been diagnosed with angina, take your medication as directed. Wait 5 minutes and take another dose. If the problem is asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), you might also have a lot of mucous, a wheezing sound when you breathe, and your symptoms might get worse with exercise or during the night. If the problem is a panic attack, you might also have a fast heartbeat, sweating and shaking, nausea, dizziness and a sense of impending doom or danger. CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the breathing problems Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help. How are breathing problems treated?The type of treatment you need depends on how unwell you feel, how suddenly it has come on and what other conditions you might have. If you see a doctor, the tests you might have include:
Treatments include:
Can breathing problems be prevented?If you have any breathing problems, and you smoke you should quit. Call 13 78 48 or go to the Quitline website. If you have any medication for breathing problems, such as puffers, use them as directed by your pharmacist or doctor. You can also:
Why do I feel shortness of breath suddenly?A problem with your lungs or airways
Sudden breathlessness could be an asthma attack. This means your airways have narrowed and you'll produce more phlegm (sticky mucus), which causes you to wheeze and cough. You'll feel breathless because it's difficult to move air in and out of your airways.
How do I know if my shortness of breath is serious?Seek emergency medical care if your shortness of breath is accompanied by chest pain, fainting, nausea, a bluish tinge to lips or nails, or a change in mental alertness — as these may be signs of a heart attack or pulmonary embolism.
What causes shortness of breath for no apparent reason?According to Dr. Steven Wahls, the most common causes of dyspnea are asthma, heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), interstitial lung disease, pneumonia, and psychogenic problems that are usually linked to anxiety. If shortness of breath starts suddenly, it is called an acute case of dyspnea.
How do you know if your shortness of breath is heart related?Shortness of breath is the most common symptom of heart failure. It is a distressing feeling that may cause you to feel smothered, Shortness of breath initially occurs with exertion but may get progressively worse and eventually occur at rest in severe cases.
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