25 Causes of Shortness of Breath, Know the Underlying Conditions

Broken ribs

A broken rib is a common injury that occurs when one of the bones in the ribs breaks or cracks. The most common cause is chest trauma, such as from a fall, accident or impact during sports. The main symptoms of a broken rib include pain in the chest wall that gets worse when you breathe, move, or cough, bruising or swelling around the ribs, and shortness of breath.

Choking

Choking occurs when a foreign object enters the throat or throat, blocking the flow of air. One of the signs of choking is shortness of breath. Choking can cause a mild cough, but complete obstruction of the airway can lead to death.

Carbon monoxide poisoning

Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when carbon monoxide builds up in the bloodstream. When there is too much carbon monoxide in the air, the body replaces the oxygen in the red blood cells with carbon monoxide. This can cause serious tissue damage, or even death. Signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include a dull headache, weakness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, confusion, blurred vision, and loss of consciousness.

Obesity

Obesity can be a cause of shortness of breath because the extra weight on the chest and abdomen increases the work the muscles have to do to control breathing. People who are overweight or obese often experience shortness of breath due to excess fat in and around the chest that blocks breathing.

Worry

Anxiety can cause and worsen shortness of breath. Symptoms of anxiety can include feelings of shortness of breath, thirst for air, and a feeling of suffocation. In turn, feeling short of breath can also increase anxiety.

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