Breathlessness
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.
Dr Basel Chamali
General Practitioner
Dr Sapna Sharma
General Practitioner
2 April 2025
