Do you often find yourself short of breath, even after basic physical tasks like climbing a few stairs? Does your breathing become more labored when walking or engaging in regular activities? If this is happening to you, then it could be a sign that something’s wrong. In order to find out what the problem might be and get the appropriate help you need, consider seeing a pulmonologist.
A pulmonologist is a specialist who can identify the root cause of your respiratory problem and recommend appropriate treatment options.
In this blog, we’ll explore some of the signs and symptoms associated with shortness of breath that should prompt an appointment with your pulmonologist–and ultimately lead you on the path toward improved respiratory health.
Understanding Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath is a sensation of not being able to get enough air. You might feel like you’re gasping, struggling, or suffocating. It’s normal to feel out of breath after intense physical activity or during a panic attack.
But when it happens unexpectedly or in restful situations, it can indicate an underlying health condition, such as:
- Asthma: This is a chronic condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, making it difficult for air to move in and out of the lungs. Wheezing and shortness of breath are common symptoms associated with asthma.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): COPD is a group of lung diseases, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, that block airflow and make it difficult to breathe. Symptoms often include a feeling of tightness in the chest and wheezing.
- Pneumonia: This is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, causing them to fill with fluid or pus, leading to symptoms such as cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing.
- Pulmonary Embolism: This is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when a blood clot travels to the lungs, blocking one of the pulmonary arteries. Symptoms often include rapid breathing, a fast heart rate, chest pain, fever, dizziness, and leg pain or swelling.
- Pulmonary Fibrosis: This refers to a group of disorders characterized by scarring and damage to the lung tissues, making it hard to get enough oxygen. Common symptoms include shortness of breath and a dry cough.
- Sleep Apnea: Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts while you’re sleeping. This causes you to wake up frequently, leading to poor sleep quality and feeling tired during the day.
- Other Causes: Shortness of breath can also be caused by carbon monoxide poisoning, heart attacks, low blood pressure, panic attacks, obesity or poor physical fitness, and choking on food.
When to See a Pulmonologist?
A pulmonologist, a specialist in respiratory medicine, can help diagnose and manage conditions that cause dyspnea or shortness of breath. Here are some signs that it’s time to see a pulmonologist:
- Persistent Shortness of Breath: If you’re having trouble catching your breath for extended periods (even at rest or with minimal exertion), and it’s not improving, it’s time to consult a pulmonologist.
- Shortness of Breath Accompanied by Other Symptoms: If you’re experiencing shortness of breath along with symptoms like chronic cough, wheezing, chest pain, or tightness, a visit to the pulmonologist is essential.
You must also make an appointment with your pulmonologist if you are experiencing swelling in your feet and ankle, trouble breathing when lying flat, high fever, chills, and cough, along with shortness of breath.
- Shortness of Breath that Limits Daily Activities: When shortness of breath begins to interfere with your day-to-day activities or reduces your quality of life, it’s a clear sign that medical intervention from a pulmonologist is needed.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
During your appointment, your pulmonologist will take a detailed medical history and perform a physical examination. They may also order tests such as chest X-rays, CT scans, pulmonary function tests, or a bronchoscopy to diagnose the cause of your symptoms.
Depending on the diagnosis, your treatment plan may involve medication, lifestyle changes, and pulmonary rehabilitation. Supplemental oxygen may also be provided to some patients dealing with dyspnea.
Pulmonologist in Austin, TX
Shortness of breath should never be ignored. It’s not just a sign of getting older or being out of shape. If you’re experiencing persistent or severe shortness of breath, it’s important to get checked out by a pulmonologist. Remember, early detection and treatment of lung conditions can significantly improve the quality of life and outcomes.
At Austin Pulmonary Consultants, we have highly trained and compassionate pulmonologists who perform comprehensive evaluations that may include imaging tests, lung function testing, and laboratory testing to uncover the underlying condition causing your shortness of breath. Once we have the underlying cause of your dyspnea, we provide highly personalized treatment.
To make an appointment with us, contact Austin Pulmonary Consultants today. At our North Office, call us at (512) 977-0123 or reach our South Office at (512) 441-9799. We look forward to serving you!
