Causes of Dyspnea

Hypoxia

A condition in which the body’s cells and tissues do not get enough oxygen.

Patients often have breathing difficulty and/or hypoxia with

Pulmonary edema, hay fever, pleural effusion, obstruction of the airway, hyperventilation syndrome, environmental/industrial exposure, carbon monoxide poisoning, drug overdose, and cardiopulmonary diseases.

Pulmonary blood vessels may have abnormalities

That interfere with blood flow.

Gas exchange between the alveoli and pulmonary circulation is obstructed

By fluid in the lung, infection, or collapsed alveoli (atelectasis).

The alveoli are damaged

And cannot transport gases properly across their own walls.

The air passages are obstructed

By muscle spasm, mucus, or weakened airway walls.

Blood flow to the lungs is obstructed

By blood clots.

The pleural space is filled with air or excess fluid

So the lungs cannot properly expand.

A patient with dyspnea may report

Shortness of breath, chest tightness, or air hunger.

Dyspnea

Is also a common complaint in patients with cardiopulmonary diseases.

When assessing a patient for a complaint of dyspnea

Ask about chest pain; when evaluating a patient for chest pain, ask about dyspnea.