Shortness Of Breath Specialist

What is shortness of breath?

Shortness of breath describes when you feel as though you’re unable to get enough air. Medically referred to as dyspnea, shortness of breath may include:

• Tightness in your chest
• Breathlessness
• Feeling as though you’re suffocating
• Difficulty breathing

Shortness of breath can be accompanied by other symptoms, such as chest pain, wheezing, harsh coughing, or a fever. If you’re experiencing shortness of breath with these other symptoms, you should seek medical care right away. 

What are the common causes of shortness of breath?

Shortness of breath can develop from many causes, both medical and nonmedical. You can develop shortness of breath after an extreme workout or a change in the climate. Medical causes of shortness of breath include:

• Asthma
• Cold or flu
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Pulmonary embolism
• Obesity
• Lung cancer
• Anemia
• Anxiety disorders

You can also develop shortness of breath as a symptom related to a cardiac condition such as cardiomyopathy (issue with your heart muscle that impairs pumping), heart failure (chronic impairment of heart-pumping), coronary artery disease (blockage in your coronary arteries), or pericarditis (inflammation in the tissue that surrounds your heart). 

What happens during an evaluation for shortness of breath?

If it’s suspected that your shortness of breath is due to a cardiac condition, the team at Premier Cardiology Consultants performs comprehensive examinations using state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to determine the cause so they can develop the most effective treatment plan. 

In addition to reviewing your symptoms and medical history, your cardiac specialist performs a physical exam, paying close attention to your heart and lungs.

Diagnostic testing may be requested to further evaluate your heart and lung function, such as:

• Blood tests
• Chest X-ray
• Electrocardiogram
• Echocardiogram
• Stress test

Premier Cardiology Consultants is a full-service cardiology practice and can perform these tests at the office.

What types of treatments can improve my symptoms?

Treatment for your shortness of breath depends on the underlying cause. Your specialist at Premier Cardiology Consultants creates a personalized treatment plan based on the severity of your symptoms, your medical history, and your cardiac health. 

For example, if your shortness of breath is due to heart failure, you may benefit from prescription medication to reduce the workload on your heart, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, diuretics, and/or beta-blockers. 

No matter the underlying cardiac cause of your shortness of breath, the team at Premier Cardiology Consultants works closely with you to develop a treatment plan that improves heart health and your quality of life. 

For expert cardiac care from an experienced team, call Premier Cardiology Consultants or request an appointment online today.