Breathlessness
Breathlessness can feel like not getting enough air or needing to work harder to breathe.
It may be mild or more limiting, and can have a range of causes.
Common causes of breathlessness
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Deconditioning
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Anxiety or panic
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Chest infections
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Asthma or airway conditions
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Heart-related causes
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Anaemia
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Post-viral effects
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When to take breathlessness seriously
Seek urgent care if:
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Sudden severe breathlessness
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Occurs at rest
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Associated chest pain or collapse
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Rapid worsening
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How we assess
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Symptom pattern and progression
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Cardiovascular and respiratory assessment
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Identification of the underlying cause
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Targeted investigations
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Which clinic is usually most suitable?
Breath & Lungs Clinic
→ If breathlessness is the main symptom, especially with cough or wheeze
Heart & Blood Pressure Clinic
→ If associated with exertion, chest discomfort, or palpitations
If symptoms are unclear or mixed
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Important
Private, appointment-only service. Not for emergencies.
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:
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Full blood count (to assess for anaemia or infection)
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Inflammatory markers
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Kidney and metabolic profile
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Cardiac markers where symptoms suggest overlap
IMAGING
Where appropriate:
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Chest X-ray
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CT scan of the chest (via trusted partner providers)
LUNG FUNCTION TESTS
Depending on your symptoms:
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Spirometry (lung function testing)
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Peak flow measurement
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Oxygen saturation assessment
CARDIAC ASSESSMENT
Where symptoms may involve the heart:
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Electrocardiogram (ECG)
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Blood pressure measurement
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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.