Signs of breathlessness

Breathlessness can feel like tightness in the chest or difficulty inhaling fully. It can develop slowly, or suddenly, and it can be continuous or occasional.

These are common signs of breathlessness:

• Difficulty breathing normally
• Breathing too quickly
• Feeling suffocated
• Increased heart rate
• Feeling anxious or panicked

Pay special attention to these symptoms during a breathlessness episode:

• Acute chest pain, chest discomfort or pain when breathing in
• Coughing, especially if coughing up blood
• Fever (temperature over 38℃/100.4℉)
• Extreme fatigue
• Rapid heart rate (greater than 100 beats per minute)

Do not hesitate to reach out to a medical professional if you are at all concerned. Any significant change in symptoms, or the sudden onset of new symptoms, should be evaluated immediately by a healthcare professional.