Shortness of Breath in Adults: What It Means

Shortness of breath means you have trouble breathing. It may feel like you're not getting enough air.

• Allergies.
• Asthma.
• Heart issues.

Follow these instructions at home:

Pollutants

• Do not smoke, vape, or use nicotine or tobacco.
• Avoid things that can make it harder to breathe, such as:
  • Smoke of all kinds. This includes smoke from campfires or forest fires. Do not smoke or allow others to smoke in your home.
  • Mold.
  • Dust.
  • Air pollution.
  • Chemical smells.
  • Allergens. These are things that can give you an allergic reaction if you have allergies. Some common allergens include:
    • Pollen from grasses or trees.
    • Animal dander.

Medicines

• Take medicines only as told. This includes oxygen therapy and inhaled medicines.
• If you were given antibiotics, take them as told. Do not stop taking them even if you start to feel better.

General instructions

• Keep your living space clean and free of mold and dust.
• Watch for any changes in your symptoms.
• Rest as needed.
• Ask what things are safe for you to do at home. Ask when you can go back to work or school.

Contact a health care provider if:

• Your shortness of breath doesn't get better as soon as expected.
• You have a hard time doing your normal activities, even after you rest.
• You have new symptoms.
• You can't walk up stairs.
• You can't exercise the way you normally do.

Get help right away if:

• Your symptoms get worse.
• You have shortness of breath when you're resting.
• You feel light-headed or you faint.
• You have a cough that's not helped by medicines.
• You cough up blood.
• You have pain with breathing.
• You have pain in your chest, arms, shoulders, or belly.
• You have a fever.

• Do not wait to see if the symptoms will go away.
• Do not drive yourself to the hospital.