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Doctor and Patient

Breathlessness (Shortness of Breath)

Breathlessness can feel uncomfortable and, at times, worrying.
It may come on suddenly or develop gradually, and the causes can vary widely.

What Breathlessness Can Mean

Breathlessness does not always indicate a serious problem.

Common causes include:

  • Lack of fitness or deconditioning

  • Anxiety or panic

  • Respiratory infections

Other conditions that may need assessment include:

  • Asthma or other lung conditions

  • Heart-related problems

  • Anaemia or other medical conditions

Understanding when it occurs, what triggers it, and any associated symptoms helps clarify the cause.

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When to Take Breathlessness Seriously

You should seek urgent medical attention if you have:

  • Sudden or severe breathlessness

  • Breathlessness with chest pain or tightness

  • Blue lips or difficulty speaking in full sentences

  • Associated collapse or near collapse

If symptoms are persistent, worsening, or unexplained, they should be assessed.

Doctor in Office
Why see a general physycian?

Breathlessness can arise from different systems in the body.

A general physician considers the heart, lungs, blood, and overall health together to understand what may be causing your symptoms.

This is particularly important when symptoms are ongoing or do not clearly point to a single cause.

How We Assess Breathlessness

A structured assessment typically includes:

  • A detailed history of your symptoms and triggers

  • Review of your medical background

  • Physical examination

  • Targeted investigations where appropriate

This approach helps identify the cause while avoiding unnecessary tests.

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Related Symptoms
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Request an Appointment

If you are unsure where to start, this is usually the most appropriate first step.

This information is general and not a substitute for medical advice.

Possible Investigations
(if appropriate)

Breathlessness can arise from the lungs, heart, blood, or general health. Investigations are selected to identify the underlying cause based on your symptoms and clinical assessment.

BLOOD TESTS

May include:

  • Full blood count (to assess for anaemia or infection)

  • Inflammatory markers

  • Kidney and metabolic profile

  • Cardiac markers where symptoms suggest overlap

IMAGING

Where appropriate:

  • Chest X-ray

  • CT scan of the chest (via trusted partner providers)

LUNG FUNCTION TESTS

Depending on your symptoms:

  • Spirometry (lung function testing)

  • Peak flow measurement

  • Oxygen saturation assessment

CARDIAC ASSESSMENT

Where symptoms may involve the heart:

  • Electrocardiogram (ECG)

  • Blood pressure measurement

  • Heart rhythm monitoring if indicated

Investigations are targeted to distinguish between respiratory, cardiac, and other causes, with a focus on identifying significant conditions while avoiding unnecessary testing.

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