Breathlessness

2 April 2025

Breathlessness, or dyspnoea, is a common symptom that can range from mild discomfort to severe difficulty breathing. While occasional shortness of breath can be normal after exercise, persistent or unexplained breathlessness may indicate an underlying medical condition that requires assessment.

At The New Foscote Hospital, our specialists provide thorough diagnostic testing, expert consultations, and personalised treatment plans to help identify and manage the cause of breathlessness.

What Causes Breathlessness

Breathlessness can result from a variety of medical conditions, including:

Heart-related conditions – Coronary artery disease, heart failure, or arrhythmias
Lung diseases – Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, or pulmonary fibrosis
Anaemia – Low red blood cell levels reducing oxygen supply to tissues
Anxiety & stress – Panic attacks and anxiety disorders can trigger shortness of breath
Obesity & lack of fitness – Extra weight and poor cardiovascular conditioning can make breathing more difficult
Allergies or infections – Seasonal allergies or respiratory infections can cause temporary breathlessness
Blood clots (Pulmonary Embolism) – A serious condition requiring urgent medical attention

Understanding the underlying cause is essential for effective treatment and symptom relief.

When to Seek Medical Advice

You should see a doctor if you experience:

Sudden, severe breathlessness – Especially if accompanied by chest pain or dizziness
Breathing difficulties at rest – Struggling to catch your breath without exertion
Persistent shortness of breath – Lasting for weeks or worsening over time
Wheezing or noisy breathing – Indicating potential respiratory issues
Swelling in the legs or fatigue – Could suggest heart-related causes
Unexplained weight loss or fever – May point to an infection or more serious condition

If breathlessness is severe, sudden, or accompanied by chest pain, seek emergency medical care immediately.

Diagnostic Tests for Breathlessness

Our hospital offers comprehensive assessments to determine the cause of breathlessness, including:

Lung function tests (Spirometry) – To assess conditions like asthma and COPD
Chest X-ray – To check for infections, lung disease, or heart enlargement
Echocardiogram – An ultrasound scan of the heart to detect cardiac conditions
Electrocardiogram (ECG) – To assess heart rhythm and detect abnormalities
Blood tests – To check for anaemia, infections, or other underlying conditions
CT Scan or MRI – For more detailed imaging if necessary

Early diagnosis allows for more effective treatment and management of breathlessness.

Treatment Options for Breathlessness

The treatment for breathlessness depends on its underlying cause. At The New Foscote Hospital, we offer:

✔ Medications – Including inhalers, antibiotics, or heart medications
✔ Pulmonary rehabilitation – Breathing exercises and physical therapy for lung conditions
✔ Oxygen therapy – For those with chronic lung disease
✔ Weight management support – For obesity-related breathlessness
✔ Anxiety & stress management – To reduce panic-related shortness of breath
✔ Cardiac care – If heart disease is contributing to symptoms

Our team of specialists works to improve breathing and enhance quality of life through targeted treatments.

Arranging To Visit A Private GP

If you are experiencing persistent or unexplained breathlessness, our private GP service offers expert evaluation and access to advanced diagnostics.

Same-day & next-day appointments available
No need to be registered with the hospital
30-minute private GP consultation: £100
Insurance billing available
Referrals for specialist assessments & further testing

Early assessment can help prevent complications and improve long-term health.

Our Resident Private GP’s

Our Private GP’s welcoming and highly experienced. They offer patients sound diagnosis and treatment, along with individual care focused on their future health.