13 Apr Dyspneic
What Does It Mean to Be Dyspneic?
To have a dyspneic episode means one is out of breath, is experiencing a shortage of air, or is experiencing labored or difficult breathing. A dyspneic person is one who is suffering from dyspnea, which can be caused by everyday activities like rigorous exercise, or it can be caused by a medical condition, like heart or lung disease.
Causes of dyspnea
The triggers of dyspneic symptoms aren’t always a cause for concern. Dyspnea often occurs after a rigorous workout, but it can also be experienced after walking up a large flight of stairs or spending time high up in the mountains where the air is thin.
Dyspneic symptoms in a healthy individual will disappear quickly. However, people can also experience dyspnea due to a medical condition. Symptoms can also be exacerbated by smoking.
Conditions that can create the breathlessness associated with dyspnea include:
- Heart failure
- Low blood pressure
- Pneumonia
- Pulmonary embolism
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- An injury to the lung
- A rapid loss of blood
- Stress
- Anxiety
How do you treat dyspnea?
How dyspneic symptoms are treated will depend on what is causing them. Individuals that experience intense episodes of breathlessness during or after a workout would likely benefit from losing weight. Eating healthier by eating fewer processed foods and more fruit and vegetables can also prevent the body from experiencing dyspnea.
It is important to continue an exercise regimen even if dyspnea is experienced. However, it is important to speak with a doctor about what to include in an exercise routine for optimal health.
If symptoms are due to a medical condition, medical interventions are often necessary. For example, if dyspneic symptoms are due to a pulmonary embolism or COPD, a pulmonologist will be involved in treatment planning. Supplemental oxygen may be needed in the short term, while pulmonary rehabilitation that focuses on supervised exercise and breathing techniques can be helpful in the long run.
If symptoms are caused by a heart condition, a cardiologist will be tasked with reducing dyspneic symptoms. Cardiac rehabilitation is usually recommended in the instance of heart failure. An artificial pump may be needed to help circulate oxygenated blood throughout the body.
It is important to seek medical attention if you experience shortness of breath sooner than you usually do after exercising, or if you’re breathless when you shouldn’t be, no matter what the suspected cause.