Breathlessness, or shortness of breath, is a feeling of not getting enough air. If it is new, getting worse or stops you from daily work, it needs a check-up. Causes include asthma, COPD, ILD, pneumonia, fluid around the lungs, heart problems, anaemia, thyroid problems and weight gain. Dr A. Ashok Kumar, pulmonologist and critical care physician in Chittoor, finds the cause with simple tests and treats it.
Common symptoms of breathlessness
- Breathless walking, climbing stairs or working
- Needing extra pillows at night
- Wheezing or chest tightness
- Tiring quickly
- Breathless with leg swelling
Get urgent care if you have
- Sudden severe breathlessness
- Breathlessness with chest pain, sweating or fainting
- Blue lips
- Oxygen level below 94%
Emergency? Call 093448 53689 or 108, or go to the nearest hospital.
Causes and risk factors
Lung conditions (asthma, COPD, ILD, pneumonia, effusion, blood clots), heart conditions, anaemia, thyroid problems, obesity and anxiety.
Tests that help
Pulmonary function test (PFT) / spirometry
You blow hard into a tube while a machine measures how much air your lungs hold and how fast you can push it out. It confirms asthma or COPD, shows how severe it is and tracks whether treatment is working. Where needed, lung volumes and DLCO (how well oxygen passes into the blood) are also measured.
6-minute walk test
You walk at your own pace for six minutes while your oxygen level and pulse are checked. It shows how your lungs cope with everyday activity and helps decide if you need oxygen support.
Oxygen level (SpO₂) and blood gas checks
A small clip on the finger reads oxygen level at rest and while walking. In the ICU an arterial blood gas test measures oxygen and carbon dioxide directly to guide oxygen and ventilator support.
Chest X-ray and HRCT chest
Pictures of the lungs. A high-resolution CT (HRCT) shows fine detail and is important for ILD, bronchiectasis, unexplained cough and lung spots. Dr Ashok arranges the right scan and explains the report with you.
How Dr Ashok manages it
- Examination and oxygen check
- Lung function test, chest imaging, ECG and blood tests as needed
- Treatment of the cause
- Pulmonary rehabilitation and breathing training
- Emergency and ICU care for severe breathlessness
Living well
- Stay active within your limits
- Learn pursed-lip breathing
- Avoid smoke
- Keep a home oxygen meter if advised
Questions patients ask
Is breathlessness always from the lungs?
No. The heart, blood (anaemia), thyroid and weight can all cause breathlessness. A careful check finds the real reason.
When is breathlessness an emergency?
Sudden severe breathlessness, breathlessness with chest pain, blue lips or confusion needs emergency care at once.