Shortness of breath
New shortness of breath can be asthma, infection, anxiety, or heart-related. A provider can assess triggers and severity online — severe or sudden breathlessness needs the ER.
Also called: hard to breathe · dyspnea · trouble breathing
Call 911 for any of these:
- Sudden severe shortness of breath at rest
- Blue lips or fingertips, or gasping for air
- Chest pain, fainting, or coughing up blood
- Rapid worsening over hours in someone with heart or lung disease
Conditions related to shortness of breath
These conditions may be associated with this topic. They are not a diagnosis or a ranked list of causes; follow the urgent-care guidance below.
Asthma is related to this topic. Its presence here does not establish the cause of shortness of breath or that acute symptoms can be treated online.
Anxiety is related to this topic. Its presence here does not establish the cause of shortness of breath or that acute symptoms can be treated online.
Bronchitis is related to this topic. Its presence here does not establish the cause of shortness of breath or that acute symptoms can be treated online.
COPD is related to this topic. Its presence here does not establish the cause of shortness of breath or that acute symptoms can be treated online.
When to see a clinician
- Sudden severe shortness of breath at rest
- Blue lips or fingertips, or gasping for air
- Chest pain, fainting, or coughing up blood
- Rapid worsening over hours in someone with heart or lung disease
How to get care on Ondoc
Related information for shortness of breath, not a diagnosis or a substitute for urgent care.
Related information for shortness of breath, not a diagnosis or a substitute for urgent care.
Related information for shortness of breath, not a diagnosis or a substitute for urgent care.
Related information for shortness of breath, not a diagnosis or a substitute for urgent care.