No matter the cause, shortness of breath is a symptom which can cause distress. Shortness of breath can be caused by many different conditions, situations, and illnesses. Identifying what is triggering you to have shortness of breath will help you better understand when you should seek medical care. Learn more about what causes shortness of breath and when you should be concerned. Visit AFC Urgent Care Lyndhurst for same-day diagnosis and treatment.
Common Causes of Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath, often called dyspnea, is a symptom which makes it feels like you cannot get enough air in your lungs. It occurs when your body is not getting enough oxygen. This causes you to feel the need to breath harder and faster. Shortness of breath often is a scary symptom and can cause panic when you experience it for the first time. The causes of shortness of breath vary depending on your environment and your medical background. Although there are cases where shortness of breath is a normal symptom, in many cases you should seek immediate medical attention if you’re having shortnss of breath.
Acute Shortness of Breath
Sudden onset shortness of breath can be caused by a variety of conditions. If this is the first time you have ever experienced this symptom, you should always seek medical care immediately for proper diagnosis and treatment. Shortness of breath can indicate some serious health conditions that require medical support.
Common causes of acute shortness of breath include:
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Phnemonia
- Asthma
- Anaphalaxis
- Heart arrhythmia
- Altitude sickness
Chronic Shortness of Breath
If you regularly experience shortness of breath, it likely is due to a more long term pre-existing condition. Although shortness of breath doesn’t vary much in severity or symptoms, some conditions cause it to occur more frequently. Shortness of breath can often be managed and regulated with help from your healthcare provider.
Common causes of chronic shortness of breath include:
- Asthma
- COPD
- Heart conditions
- Physical condition
- Altitude
- Heart dysfunction
Diagnosing & Treating Shortness of Breath at Urgent Care
Shortness of breath can be an anxiety provoking symptom. It is important to always monitor your symptoms, even if you have experienced shortness of breath before, to ensure that they are not declining. Your medical provider will be able to preform an in depth exam, including listening to your heart and lungs, to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms. Additional diagnostic testing, such as chest x-rays and bloodwork, may be used in order to confirm a diagnosis.
Treatment for shortness of breath depends on the underlying cause of the symptom. If it is caused by a condition of your environment, your healthcare provider can help you adjust your lifestyle choices to ensure your lungs are not under stress. If your shortness of breath is caused by a chronic condition, your healthcare provider may refer you to a specialist to confirm their diagnosis and take the next treatment steps.
Get Symptom Diagnosis & Treatment By Visiting AFC Urgent Care Lyndhurst
If you’re suffering from a chonic or sudden onset symptom like shortness of breath, it is important to seek medical attention for a proper medical daignosis. Early daignosis will ensure that your condition is monitored and treated accordingly, before it progresses. At AFC Urgent Care Lyndurst, our facility is equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic testing equiptment including an on-site laboratory and x-ray suite for rapid and accurate diagnosis capabilties.
If you’re suffering from symptoms such as shortness of breath, AFC Urgent Care Lyndhust can help. Our medical staff is board-certified and experienced in diagnosing and treating a wide variety of conditions. We accept most medical insurance plans and offer affordable care options. You never need an appointment to see a medical provider at our walk-in clinic, simply walk-in, or schedule an appointment online. For additional questions regarding our clinic, please contact us directly by calling 201-494-2516.
