What Are the Common Causes of Dyspnea?
Dyspnea can be caused by a variety of conditions, both acute and chronic. One of the most common causes is respiratory conditions, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pneumonia. These conditions affect the lungs' ability to function properly, leading to shortness of breath. Heart-related issues, such as heart failure or coronary artery disease, can also cause dyspnea by reducing the heart's efficiency in pumping oxygenated blood throughout the body. Other causes include infections, lung diseases like pulmonary fibrosis, and exposure to high altitudes where oxygen levels are low.
In addition to physical health conditions, dyspnea can also be triggered by non-respiratory factors. Anxiety and panic attacks are known to cause hyperventilation and a sensation of breathlessness, even when lung function is normal. Obesity is another common cause of dyspnea, as excess weight can compress the lungs and diaphragm, making it more difficult to breathe. Additionally, anemia, which reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, can lead to a feeling of breathlessness even with normal respiratory function. Understanding the common causes of dyspnea is important for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
