Shortness of breath
Introduction
Sudden shortness of breath, or breathing difficulty (dyspnoea), is the most common reason for visiting a hospital accident and emergency department.
It's also one of the most common reasons people call the emergency number for an ambulance.
It's normal toget out of breath when you've overexerted yourself, but when breathlessness comes on suddenly and unexpectedly, it's usually a warning sign of a medical condition.
The information below outlines the most common reasons for:
- sudden shortness of breath
- long-term shortness of breath
This guide shouldn't be used to self-diagnose your condition, but should give you an idea of what's causing your breathlessness.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 4 Jan 2017
Introduction
Sudden shortness of breath, or breathing difficulty (dyspnoea), is the most common reason for visiting a hospital accident and emergency department.
When to call a doctor
You should call your GP immediately if you have sudden shortness of breath, as there may be a problem with your airways or heart. Your GP will assess you over the phone, andmay either visit you at hom
Causes of sudden shortness of breath
Sudden and unexpected breathlessness is most likely to be caused by one of the following health conditions. Click on the links below for more information about these conditions. A problem with your lu
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