CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: New Delhi. Breathlessness is often ignored as fatigue, weakness or a common infection. But repeated or sudden difficulty in breathing can also be a sign of a serious disease related to the heart or lungs. According to experts, some indications can be understood on the basis of symptoms, but the exact cause can be confirmed only through medical examination.
Symptoms that may be seen in lung disease
The lungs work to deliver oxygen to the body. Infections or respiratory illnesses can affect this process. In lung-related problems, these symptoms may commonly appear: persistent cough or phlegm; wheezing while inhaling or exhaling; breathlessness with fever; tightness in the chest or pain while taking a deep breath.
These symptoms can occur in pneumonia, asthma, COPD or other respiratory problems. However, an infection cannot be confirmed only on the basis of symptoms.
How does breathlessness occur in heart disease?
When the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, fluid may start accumulating in the lungs in some conditions. This can cause difficulty in breathing. The suspicion of a heart-related problem may increase when a person becomes breathless after walking a little or climbing stairs; has difficulty breathing while lying down and feels relief on sitting up; wakes up at night with breathing difficulty; notices swelling in the feet or ankles; or experiences chest pressure, unusual fatigue or a rapid heartbeat along with breathlessness.
These signs should not be ignored. However, swelling in the feet or breathlessness can also have other causes.
Which tests identify the correct cause?
Doctors may advise tests on the basis of the patient’s symptoms, their duration, physical examination and medical history. For the lungs, tests may include a chest X-ray, pulmonary function test and other investigations if needed. For the heart, tests may include ECG, echocardiography and blood tests or other examinations according to the symptoms.
Many times, the symptoms of heart and lung diseases can be similar. Therefore, it is not appropriate to assume the disease on one’s own and take medicine.
When should immediate help be taken for breathlessness?
If breathlessness suddenly becomes severe, there is difficulty in speaking, chest pain or heaviness is felt, the lips start turning blue, or a fainting-like condition develops, emergency medical help should be taken immediately. A doctor should also be contacted soon in case of new or persistent breathing difficulty.
Conclusion: Breathlessness is not only a symptom of a lung infection. It can be linked to the heart, lungs or other health problems. Timely testing and proper treatment can help reduce the risk of serious complications.
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