Shortness of breath in combination with a rapid heartbeat (as well as any of these phenomena separately) can be either a temporary phenomenon that occurs, for example, after physical exertion and is characterized by a rapid course, or a symptom indicating the presence of serious health problems.
Conventionally, conditions characterized by the presence of shortness of breath and abnormal heartbeat can be classified into relatively normal and pathological groups. The first category includes, for example, emotional stress, intense exercise, fatigue, drinking alcohol, etc. The second group includes a variety of diseases - from anemia to very serious pathologies respiratory, cardiovascular and other systems and organs.
After reviewing the information below, you will learn about the most common and most probable reasons the appearance of shortness of breath and increased heart rate.
Any physical activity is accompanied by increased oxygen consumption, be it a simple climb up the stairs, a short jog, lifting weights or climbing mountain peaks.
The situation becomes especially unpleasant and difficult in cases where sports stress is combined with excitement and nervous experiences, for example, during important competitions. The person is worried, the body feels a lack of oxygen, and the normal concentration of carbon dioxide occurs. Breathing becomes difficult, the heart begins to beat faster, and a headache appears.
To normalize your well-being, it is enough to reduce the load, rest a little, or, if you cannot calm down, completely stop the current activity and consult a doctor.
IN in this case The mechanism for the development of the problem is as follows: the walls of blood vessels are covered with plaques, which leads to a deterioration in blood circulation and, consequently, provokes the occurrence of oxygen deficiency. The appearance of plaques is promoted by excessive cholesterol content, as well as natural age-related changes, disorders of internal metabolic functions, etc. The situation is dangerous with the risk of blood clots with all the ensuing consequences.
In addition to the above points, the following can also be considered as provoking factors:
- bad habits;
- unhealthy diet;
- passive lifestyle;
- frequent emotional stress.
In the initial stages of atherosclerosis development, the patient feels virtually no changes in his condition. Over time, shortness of breath occurs, and the arms and legs begin to go numb. To discover the cause of such changes, i.e. diagnosing the disease, an ECG study is performed.
Lung problems
The problem may appear due to several reasons, namely: low extensibility of the lungs, their insufficient compliance, severe injuries corresponding part of the body.
If there is insufficient extensibility, the patient will feel normal at rest, but the slightest physical exertion will lead to a feeling of lack of air.
Problems with the patency of the lungs cause shortness of breath and other breathing difficulties even in a calm state. Each inhalation and exhalation requires significant effort. Exhaling is more difficult in most cases. Sputum and mucus are found in the respiratory tract.
Pain when inhaling and exhaling and other causes
Choking attacks are typical for cardiac and bronchial forms of asthma. Exhalation requires serious effort. Diagnosis is made by examining the patient's blood for specific changes. The development of a pre-asthmatic state is characteristic of bronchitis, pneumonia and sinusitis.
Attacks of shortness of breath and suffocation most often occur at night. Exhalation is accompanied by characteristic sounds reminiscent of wheezing. In a standing position, as a rule, relief is noted.
Anemia
Symptoms of anemia
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A disease that develops due to insufficient hemoglobin content in the body. It is provoked by problems with the intestines, various infectious diseases, deficiency of vitamins and microelements.
Thus, vitamin deficiency anemia can cause shortness of breath and a number of other unfavorable symptoms, including:
- increased heart rate;
- impaired coordination and reflexes;
- general weakness;
- temperature increase.
Anemia - symptoms
Problems such as an increase in liver size and various types of mental disorders may occur.
Heart reasons
The studied signs are characteristic of many heart pathologies. About them in the table.
Table. Cardiac Causes of Shortness of Breath and Rapid Heartbeat
| List of diseases | Description |
|---|---|
| Failure | Shortness of breath and disturbances in normal heart rhythm are characteristic of both acute and congestive forms of this disease. At the same time, sweating, general weakness, and swelling of the legs are noted. |
| Angina and heart attacks | If these are present, the heartbeat may either increase or slow down. In the case of a heart attack, there will be parallel pain radiating to the left side of the body. |
| Other diseases | Defects, myocarditis of various origins, pericarditis, endocarditis, cardiosclerosis, pulmonary embolism - these and many other heart diseases, among other characteristic symptoms, include conditions such as shortness of breath and disturbance of the normal heart rate. |
Also, cardiac causes that provoke the development of shortness of breath and rapid heartbeat include tachycardia different types:
Shortness of breath and heart rhythm disturbances may occur with heavy consumption alcoholic drinks and caffeine-containing products, frequent smoking, use of certain medications (corticosteroids, diuretics, etc.). Taking these substances has a stimulating effect on the sympathetic nervous system, provoking the occurrence of reflex tachycardia.
Describes a condition in which the symptoms being studied occur even at rest. The reasons are poorly understood and not reliably established.
It is important to understand that shortness of breath and palpitations as such are not independent diseases - they are simply symptoms that may indicate the presence of various problems with the body.
Be sure to consult a doctor if:
- at night or after eating, your heart begins to beat faster;
- half an hour after excitement, cessation of physical activity, jogging, etc. heart rate does not return to normal levels;
- shortness of breath and palpitations appear too often, often for no apparent reason;
- the listed signs are supplemented by other unfavorable changes in well-being.
If you or someone nearby has a seizure, immediately call an ambulance. While she is driving, you can take/give the victim Valocordin or Corvalol in an amount of about 40 drops. To alleviate the condition, you should wash your face with cold water, drink water, lie down and wait for the doctors to arrive.
Extracardiac causes
Shortness of breath and irregular heart rate may occur in the presence of a number of diseases not directly related to the heart. These are described in the table.
Table. Noncardiac causes of shortness of breath and palpitations
| List of ailments | Description |
|---|---|
| Accompanied by increased heart rate and a number of other characteristic signs, including: general weakness and fatigue, emotional instability, weakened pulse. Nausea and vomiting, problems with the perception of tastes and smells may occur. |
| This term is used to refer to tumors of the adrenal glands. If there are any, sudden jumps in adrenaline levels may occur, which can cause shortness of breath, increased heart rate, pressure changes, headaches, sweating, sleep disturbances, nausea, etc. |
| The studied symptoms are often observed in the presence of psychoses, neuroses and other pathologies affecting the nervous system. |
| An excessive increase in the concentration of hormones produced by the thyroid gland causes shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat and other problems such as sweating, weight loss, and digestive disorders. |
| The disease is accompanied by breathing problems and a number of other problems, for example, weakening of the pulse, the appearance of foreign odors in the mouth, painful sensations in the abdomen, nausea, etc. This condition requires urgent medical intervention, otherwise the person may fall into a coma and even die. |
| The term is used to refer to a condition characterized by low blood sugar concentrations. The disease is accompanied by the studied and a number of additional symptoms, for example, increased sweating, excessive appetite, nervousness, etc. | |
| Sodium deficiency. If present, shortness of breath and rapid heartbeat are extremely rare, but quite possible phenomena. Additionally, muscle cramps, irritability, nausea, and severe thirst are noted. | |
| May occur in a state of shock, loss of consciousness, or serious loss of blood. In the latter case, increased heart rate and weakened pulse are noted. The body temperature rises, the mouth becomes dry, and the person becomes very restless. |
| Oxygen starvation. Accompanied by shortness of breath and increased heart rate, coordination problems, fainting, etc. | |
| A condition characterized by filling pleural cavity air. In such conditions, breathing becomes abnormal and wheezing is heard. |
| These include any kind of focal infections, tuberculosis, sore throat, etc. |
| This should also include a condition known as anaphylactic shock. The patient's blood pressure drops, the airways swell, the heart beats faster, and it becomes difficult to breathe. Without emergency medical care, the patient may die. |
| A sudden strong increase in pressure is accompanied by increased heart rate and a number of other symptoms, for example, nausea, ringing in the ears, dizziness, etc. |
| Excessive physical exertion, severe pain, psycho-emotional shocks and other similar moments can provoke the appearance of the so-called. physiological tachycardia. In such conditions, as a rule, it is enough to simply eliminate or at least weaken the effect of provoking factors. |
Other reasons
There are several additional reasons that can provoke shortness of breath and rapid heartbeat, but are not included in the above classification groups.
- Withdrawal syndrome in drunkards.
The studied symptoms here are combined with excessive sweating, sleep disturbances, irritability, fever, and sometimes hallucinations.
- Fear, severe anxiety and, in general, any kind of emotional stress and anxiety. The mechanism for the development of the problem in such situations is as follows: under the influence of a stress factor or strong emotional shock, a large amount of adrenaline is released into the blood. This leads to overstrain of the respiratory system, which provokes a decrease in the efficiency of breathing, but does not cause it to stop completely. In a state of panic, when a lack of air is felt, a person begins to literally “swallow” it, directing it not into the lungs, but into the stomach. Many people also forget to exhale, which only makes matters worse and increases panic.
Another reason for shortness of breath in stressful situations and severe emotional states is a muscle spasm. Under the conditions being studied, the brain gives the muscle system a command to prepare for possible danger. The muscles of the pharynx become tense, among other things. Because of this, the feeling known to every person as “a lump in the throat” arises.
Dyspnea is a breathing disorder that is accompanied by a change in its frequency and depth. As a rule, breathing during shortness of breath is rapid and shallow, which is a compensatory mechanism ( adaptation of the body) in response to lack of oxygen. Dyspnea that occurs during inhalation is called inspiratory, and shortness of breath during exhalation is called expiratory. It can also be mixed, that is, occur both on inhalation and exhalation. Subjectively, shortness of breath is felt as a lack of air, a feeling of squeezing chest. Normally, shortness of breath may appear in a healthy person, in which case it is called physiological.
Physiological shortness of breath may appear in the following cases:
- as the body’s reaction to excessive physical activity, especially if the body is not constantly exposed to physical activity;
- at high altitudes, where hypoxic conditions are created ( lack of oxygen);
- in confined spaces with increased amounts of carbon dioxide ( hypercapnia).
Depending on the etiology(reasons for occurrence)shortness of breath can be of the following types:
- cardiac dyspnea;
- pulmonary shortness of breath;
- shortness of breath as a consequence of anemia.
Doctors to contact if you experience shortness of breath include:
- therapist;
- family doctor;
- cardiologist;
- pulmonologist
How does human breathing occur?
Breathing is physiological process, during which gas exchange occurs, that is, from external environment the body receives oxygen and releases carbon dioxide and other metabolic products. This is one of the most important functions of the body, since breathing maintains the vital functions of the body. Breathing is a complex process that is carried out mainly through the respiratory system. The respiratory system consists of the following organs:
- nasal and oral cavity;
- larynx;
- trachea;
- bronchi;
- lungs.
Atmospheric air enters the lungs through the airways and then into the pulmonary alveoli. Gas exchange occurs in the alveoli, that is, carbon dioxide is released, and the blood is saturated with oxygen. Next, oxygenated blood is sent to the heart through the pulmonary veins, which drain into the left atrium. From the left atrium, blood flows into the left ventricle, from where it goes through the aorta to organs and tissues. Caliber ( size) arteries, through which blood is carried throughout the body, moving away from the heart, gradually decreases to capillaries, through the membrane of which gases are exchanged with tissues.
The act of breathing consists of two stages:
- Inhale, in which atmospheric air saturated with oxygen enters the body. Inhalation is an active process that involves the respiratory muscles.
- Exhalation, in which air saturated with carbon dioxide is released. When you exhale, the respiratory muscles relax.
Cardiac dyspnea
Cardiac dyspnea is shortness of breath that develops as a consequence of heart pathologies. As a rule, cardiac dyspnea has a chronic course. Shortness of breath in heart disease is one of the most important symptoms. In some cases, depending on the type of shortness of breath, duration, physical activity after which it appears, one can judge the stage of heart failure. Cardiac dyspnea is usually characterized by inspiratory dyspnea and frequent attacks paroxysmal ( periodically repeating) nocturnal shortness of breath. Causes of cardiac dyspnea
There are a large number of reasons that can cause shortness of breath. These can be congenital diseases associated with genetic abnormalities, as well as acquired ones, the risk of which increases with age and depends on the presence of risk factors.The most common causes of cardiac dyspnea include:
- heart failure;
- acute coronary syndrome;
- hemopericardium, cardiac tamponade.
Heart failure is a pathology in which the heart, due to certain reasons, is unable to pump the volume of blood that is necessary for normal metabolism and the functioning of organs and systems of the body.
In most cases, heart failure develops under such pathological conditions as:
- arterial hypertension;
- IHD ( cardiac ischemia);
- constrictive pericarditis ( inflammation of the pericardium, accompanied by its hardening and impaired heart contraction);
- restrictive cardiomyopathy ( inflammation of the heart muscle with decreased compliance);
- pulmonary hypertension ( increased blood pressure in the pulmonary artery);
- bradycardia ( decrease in heart rate) or tachycardia ( increased heart rate) of various etiologies;
- heart defects.
In the early stages of heart failure, shortness of breath may be absent. Further, as the pathology progresses, shortness of breath appears under heavy loads, under light loads, and even at rest.
Symptoms of heart failure associated with shortness of breath are:
- cyanosis ( bluish discoloration of the skin);
- cough, especially at night;
- hemoptysis ( hemoptysis) – expectoration of sputum mixed with blood;
- orthopnea – rapid breathing in a horizontal position;
- nocturia – increased urine formation at night;
Acute coronary syndrome is a group of symptoms and signs that may suggest myocardial infarction or unstable angina. Myocardial infarction is a disease that occurs as a result of an imbalance between myocardial oxygen demand and oxygen supply, which results in necrosis of an area of the myocardium. Unstable angina is considered an exacerbation of coronary heart disease, which can lead to myocardial infarction or sudden death. These two conditions are combined into one syndrome due to a common pathogenetic mechanism and the difficulty of differential diagnosis between them at first. Acute coronary syndrome occurs with atherosclerosis and thrombosis of the coronary arteries, which cannot provide the myocardium with the necessary amount of oxygen.
Symptoms of acute coronary syndrome it is generally accepted:
- pain behind the sternum, which can also radiate to the left shoulder, left arm, lower jaw; as a rule, the pain lasts more than 10 minutes;
- shortness of breath, feeling of lack of air;
- feeling of heaviness behind the sternum;
- paleness of the skin;
First aid for symptoms of acute coronary syndrome is sublingual nitroglycerin ( under the tongue), unbuttoning tight clothing that is squeezing the chest, providing fresh air and calling an ambulance.
Heart defects
A heart defect is a pathological change in the structures of the heart that leads to impaired blood flow. Blood flow is disrupted in both the systemic and pulmonary circulation. Heart defects can be congenital or acquired. They may concern the following structures - valves, septa, vessels, walls. Congenital heart defects appear as a consequence of various genetic abnormalities and intrauterine infections. Acquired heart defects can occur against the background of infective endocarditis ( inflammation of the inner lining of the heart), rheumatism, syphilis.
Heart defects include the following pathologies:
- ventricular septal defect– this is an acquired heart defect, which is characterized by the presence of a defect in certain parts of the interventricular septum, which is located between the right and left ventricles of the heart;
- patent oval window– a defect in the interatrial septum, which occurs due to the fact that the oval window, which participates in the blood circulation of the fetus, does not close;
- open arterial ( botalls) duct, which in the prenatal period connects the aorta to the pulmonary artery, and must close during the first day of life;
- coarctation of the aorta– heart disease, which manifests itself as a narrowing of the aortic lumen and requires cardiac surgery;
- heart valve insufficiency– this is a type of heart defect in which complete closure of the heart valves is impossible and reverse flow of blood occurs;
- heart valve stenosis characterized by narrowing or fusion of the valve leaflets and disruption of normal blood flow.
The most common symptoms of heart defects are:
- dyspnea;
- cyanosis of the skin;
- pale skin;
- loss of consciousness;
- lag in physical development;
Heart defects are diseases that can be alleviated through therapeutic methods, but can only be completely cured through surgery.
Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy is a disease characterized by damage to the heart and manifests itself as hypertrophy ( increase in the volume of cardiac muscle cells) or dilatation ( increase in the volume of the heart chambers).
There are two types of cardiomyopathies:
- primary (idiopathic), the cause of which is unknown, but it is assumed that these may be autoimmune disorders, infectious factors (viruses), genetic and other factors;
- secondary, which appears against the background of various diseases ( hypertension, intoxication, coronary heart disease, amyloidosis and other diseases).
The most common manifestations of cardiomyopathy are considered to be:
- shortness of breath;
- cough;
- pale skin;
- increased fatigue;
- increased heart rate;
- dizziness.
Myocarditis
Myocarditis is damage to the myocardium ( heart muscle) predominantly inflammatory in nature. Symptoms of myocarditis are shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, and weakness.
Among the causes of myocarditis are:
- Bacterial and viral infections more often than other causes cause infectious myocarditis. The most common causative agents of the disease are viruses, namely the Coxsackie virus, measles virus, and rubella virus.
- Rheumatism, in which myocarditis is one of the main manifestations.
- Systemic diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, vasculitis ( inflammation of the walls blood vessels ) lead to myocardial damage.
- Taking certain medications ( antibiotics), vaccines, serums can also lead to myocarditis.
In order to prevent the occurrence of myocarditis, it is necessary to promptly treat infectious diseases and sanitize chronic foci of infections ( caries, tonsillitis), rationally prescribe medications, vaccines and serums.
Pericarditis
Pericarditis is an inflammatory lesion of the pericardium ( pericardial sac). The causes of pericarditis are similar to the causes of myocarditis. Pericarditis manifests itself as prolonged chest pain ( which, unlike acute coronary syndrome, do not improve with nitroglycerin), fever, severe shortness of breath. With pericarditis, due to inflammatory changes in the pericardial cavity, adhesions can form, which can then grow together, which significantly complicates the functioning of the heart.
With pericarditis, shortness of breath often occurs in a horizontal position. Shortness of breath with pericarditis is a constant symptom and it does not disappear until the cause is eliminated.
Cardiac tamponade
Cardiac tamponade is a pathological condition in which fluid accumulates in the pericardial cavity and hemodynamics are disrupted ( movement of blood through vessels). The fluid that is in the pericardial cavity compresses the heart and limits heart contractions.
Cardiac tamponade can appear as acutely ( for injuries), and for chronic diseases ( pericarditis). It manifests itself as painful shortness of breath, tachycardia, and decreased blood pressure. Cardiac tamponade can cause acute heart failure, state of shock. This pathology is very dangerous and can lead to complete cessation of cardiac activity. Therefore, timely medical intervention is of utmost importance. As an emergency, pericardial puncture and removal of pathological fluid are performed.
Diagnosis of cardiac dyspnea
Shortness of breath, being a symptom that can occur in pathologies of various organs and systems, requires careful diagnosis. Research methods for diagnosing shortness of breath are very diverse and include examination of the patient, paraclinical ( laboratory) and instrumental studies.The following methods are used to diagnose shortness of breath:
- physical examination ( conversation with the patient, examination, palpation, percussion, auscultation);
- ultrasonography ( transesophageal, transthoracic);
- X-ray examination of the chest organs;
- CT ( CT scan );
- MRI ( );
- ECG ( electrocardiography), ECG monitoring;
- cardiac catheterization;
- bicycle ergometry.
The very first step in making a diagnosis is collecting anamnesis ( that is, questioning the patient), and then examining the patient.
When collecting anamnesis, you need to pay attention to the following information:
- Characteristics of shortness of breath, which can be on inspiration, on expiration or mixed.
- The intensity of shortness of breath may also indicate a certain pathological condition.
- Hereditary factor. The likelihood of heart disease if your parents had it is several times higher.
- The presence of various chronic heart diseases.
- You should also pay attention to the time at which shortness of breath appears, its dependence on body position and physical activity. If shortness of breath appears during physical activity, it is necessary to clarify the intensity of the exercise.
Cardiac percussion provides information about an increase in the boundaries of the heart, which occurs due to the phenomena of hypertrophy or dilatation. Normally, percussion produces a dull sound. Changes and shifts in the boundaries of cardiac dullness indicate cardiac pathologies or pathologies of other mediastinal organs.
The next step in examining the patient is auscultation ( listening). Auscultation is performed using a phonendoscope.
Using cardiac auscultation, the following changes can be determined:
- weakening of the sonority of heart sounds ( myocarditis, myocardial infarction, cardiosclerosis, valve insufficiency);
- increased sonority of heart sounds ( atrioventricular orifice stenosis);
- split heart sounds ( mitral stenosis, non-simultaneous closure of the bicuspid and tricuspid valves);
- pericardial friction rub ( dry or effusion pericarditis, after myocardial infarction);
- other noises ( with valve insufficiency, orifice stenosis, aortic stenosis).
A general blood test is a laboratory test that allows you to evaluate cellular composition blood.
In a general blood test for cardiac pathologies, changes in the following indicators are of interest:
- Hemoglobin is a component of red blood cells that is involved in oxygen transport. If the hemoglobin level is low, this indirectly indicates that there is a lack of oxygen in the tissues, including the myocardium.
- Leukocytes. White blood cells may be elevated in the event of an infectious process in the body. An example would be infective endocarditis, myocarditis, pericarditis. Sometimes leukocytosis ( increased white blood cell count) is observed during myocardial infarction.
- Red blood cells often reduced in patients with chronic heart disease.
- Platelets participate in blood clotting. An increased number of platelets can occur due to blockage of blood vessels; when the level of platelets decreases, bleeding is observed.
- ESR () is nonspecific factor inflammatory process in the body. An increase in ESR occurs with myocardial infarction, infectious heart disease, and rheumatism.
A biochemical blood test is also informative in diagnosing the causes of shortness of breath. Changes in some parameters of a biochemical blood test indicate the presence of heart disease.
To diagnose the causes of cardiac dyspnea, the following biochemical parameters are analyzed:
- Lipidogram, which includes such indicators as lipoproteins, cholesterol, triglycerides. This indicator indicates a disturbance in lipid metabolism, the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, which, in turn, are a factor leading to most heart diseases.
- AST (aspartate aminotransferase). This enzyme is found in large quantities in the heart. Its increase indicates the presence of damage to the muscle cells of the heart. As a rule, AST is elevated during the first day after myocardial infarction, then its level may be normal. By how much the AST level is increased, one can judge the size of the area of necrosis ( cell death).
- LDH (lactate dehydrogenase). For the analysis of cardiac activity, the total level of LDH, as well as the fractions of LDH-1 and LDH-2, are important. An increased level of this indicator indicates necrosis in the muscle tissue of the heart during myocardial infarction.
- KFC (creatine phosphokinase) is a marker of acute myocardial infarction. Also, CPK can be increased with myocarditis.
- Troponin is a protein that is integral part cardiomyocytes and participates in cardiac contraction. An increase in troponin levels indicates damage to myocardial cells during acute myocardial infarction.
- Coagulogram (blood clotting) indicates the risk of blood clots and pulmonary embolism.
- Acid phosphatase increases in patients with myocardial infarction with severe course and complications.
- Electrolytes (K, Na, Cl, Ca) increase with cardiac arrhythmia or cardiovascular failure.
A general urine test does not provide an accurate description and localization of heart disease, that is, this research method does not indicate specific signs of heart disease, however, it can indirectly indicate the presence of a pathological process in the body. A general urine test is prescribed as a routine test.
If cardiac shortness of breath is suspected, an x-ray examination is one of the most important and informative.
X-ray signs that indicate cardiac pathology and pathology of the heart vessels are:
- Heart sizes. An increase in heart size may occur with myocardial hypertrophy or chamber dilatation. This can occur with heart failure, cardiomyopathy, hypertension, coronary heart disease.
- Shape, configuration of the heart. You may notice an enlargement of the heart chambers.
- Saccular protrusion of the aorta due to aneurysm.
- Accumulation of fluid in the pericardial cavity during pericarditis.
- Atherosclerotic lesion of the thoracic aorta.
- Signs of heart defects.
- Congestion in the lungs, hilar infiltration in the lungs in heart failure.
CT scan of the heart and blood vessels
Computed tomography is a method of layer-by-layer examination of internal organs using x-rays. CT is an informative method that allows you to detect various pathologies of the heart, and also allows you to determine possible risk IHD ( cardiac ischemia) according to the degree of calcification ( deposition of calcium salts) coronary arteries.
Computed tomography can detect changes in the following structures of the heart:
- condition of the coronary arteries - the degree of calcification of the coronary arteries ( by volume and mass of calcifications), coronary artery stenosis, coronary bypass grafts, coronary artery anomalies;
- aortic diseases – aortic aneurysm, aortic dissection; measurements necessary for aortic replacement can be taken;
- condition of the heart chambers – fibrosis ( connective tissue proliferation), ventricular dilatation, aneurysm, thinning of the walls, presence volumetric formations;
- changes in the pulmonary veins - stenosis, abnormal changes;
- CT can detect almost all heart defects;
- pericardial pathologies – constrictive pericarditis, pericardial thickening.
MRI ( Magnetic resonance imaging) is a very valuable method for studying the structure and functions of the heart. MRI is a method for studying internal organs based on the phenomenon of magnetic nuclear resonance. MRI can be performed with either contrast ( injection of contrast agent for better tissue visualization), and without it, depending on the purposes of the study.
An MRI allows you to obtain the following information:
- assessment of heart and valve functions;
- degree of myocardial damage;
- thickening of the myocardial walls;
- heart defects;
- pericardial diseases.
MRI is contraindicated in the presence of a pacemaker or other implants ( prosthetics) with metal parts. The main advantages of this method are its high information content and the absence of radiation to the patient.
Ultrasonography
Ultrasound is a method of examining internal organs using ultrasonic waves. Ultrasound is also one of the leading methods for diagnosing heart diseases.
Ultrasound has a number of significant advantages:
- non-invasiveness ( no tissue damage);
- harmlessness ( no radiation);
- low cost;
- quick results;
- high information content.
Used to diagnose cardiac pathologies the following types ultrasound examination:
- Transthoracic echocardiography. In transthoracic echocardiography, the ultrasound transducer is placed on the surface of the skin. Different images can be obtained by changing the position and angle of the sensor.
- Transesophageal ( transesophageal) echocardiography. This type of echocardiography allows you to see what may be difficult to see with transthoracic echocardiography due to the presence of obstructions ( fatty tissue, ribs, muscles, lungs). In this test, the probe passes through the esophagus, which is key because the esophagus is in close proximity to the heart.
ECG
An electrocardiogram is a method of graphically recording the electrical activity of the heart. ECG is an extremely important research method. With its help, you can detect signs of cardiac pathology and signs of a previous myocardial infarction. An ECG is performed using an electrocardiograph, the results are given immediately on the spot. A qualified doctor then conducts a thorough analysis ECG results and draws conclusions about the presence or absence of characteristic signs of pathology.
An ECG is done both once and so-called daily ECG monitoring is carried out ( according to Holter). This method uses continuous ECG recording. At the same time, physical activity, if any, and the appearance of pain are recorded. Usually the procedure lasts 1 – 3 days. In some cases, the procedure lasts much longer - months. In this case, sensors are implanted under the skin.
Cardiac catheterization
The most commonly used method is Seldinger cardiac catheterization. The progress of the procedure is monitored by a special camera. Local anesthesia is first performed. If the patient is restless, a sedative may also be administered. A special needle is used to puncture the femoral vein, then a guide is installed along the needle, which reaches the inferior vena cava. Next, a catheter is placed on the guidewire, which is inserted into the right atrium, from where it can be inserted into the right ventricle or pulmonary trunk, and the guidewire is removed.
Cardiac catheterization allows you to:
- accurate measurement of systolic and diastolic pressure;
- oximetry analysis of blood obtained through a catheter ( determination of blood oxygen saturation).
Coronary angiography
Coronary angiography is a method for studying coronary ( coronary) heart arteries using x-rays. Coronary angiography is performed using catheters through which a contrast agent is injected into the coronary arteries. After administration, the contrast agent completely fills the lumen of the artery, and with the help of an X-ray machine, several images are taken in different projections, which allow us to assess the condition of the vessels.
Bicycle ergometry ( ECG with stress)
Bicycle ergometry is a research method that is performed using a special installation - a bicycle ergometer. A bicycle ergometer is a special type of exercise machine that can accurately dose physical activity. The patient sits on a bicycle ergometer, on his hands and feet ( possibly on the back or shoulder blades) the electrodes are fixed, with the help of which the ECG is recorded.
The method is quite informative and allows you to assess the body’s tolerance to physical activity and establish an acceptable level of physical activity, identify signs of myocardial ischemia, evaluate the effectiveness of treatment, and determine the functional class of exertional angina.
Contraindications to bicycle ergometry are:
- acute myocardial infarction;
- pulmonary embolism;
- unstable angina;
- late stages of pregnancy;
- 2nd degree atrioventricular block ( disruption of the conduction of electrical impulses from the atria to the ventricles of the heart);
- other acute and severe diseases.
Treatment of cardiac dyspnea
Treatment of shortness of breath, first of all, should be aimed at eliminating the causes of its occurrence. Without knowing the causes of shortness of breath, it is impossible to fight it. In this regard, it is very great importance has the correct diagnosis.Both pharmaceuticals and surgical interventions, as well as traditional medicine, can be used in treatment. In addition to the basic course of treatment, adherence to diet, daily routine and lifestyle adjustments are very important. It is recommended to limit excessive physical activity, stress, and treat heart disease and the risk factors leading to it.
Treatment of cardiac dyspnea is etiopathogenetic, that is, it is aimed at the causes and mechanism of its occurrence. Thus, to eliminate cardiac dyspnea, it is necessary to combat heart disease.
Groups of drugs used in the treatment of cardiac dyspnea
| Group of drugs | Group representatives | Mechanism of action |
| Diuretics
(diuretics) |
| Eliminate swelling, reduce blood pressure and stress on the heart. |
| ACE inhibitors
(angiotensin converting enzyme) |
| Vasoconstrictor, hypotensive effect. |
| Angiotensin receptor blockers |
| Antihypertensive effect. |
| Beta blockers |
| Hypotensive effect, reducing the frequency and strength of heart contractions. |
| Aldosterone antagonists |
| Diuretic, antihypertensive, potassium-sparing effect. |
| Cardiac glycosides |
| Cardiotonic effect, normalize metabolic processes in the heart muscle, eliminate congestion. |
| Antiarrhythmic drugs |
| Normalization of heart rate. |
Oxygen therapy is also recommended. Oxygen therapy is usually carried out in a hospital setting. Oxygen is supplied through a mask or special tubes, and the duration of the procedure is determined in each case individually.
Traditional methods for treating shortness of breath include the following:
- Hawthorn normalizes blood circulation, has a tonic effect, hypotonic effect, lowers cholesterol levels. You can make tea, juice, infusion, and balm from hawthorn.
- Fish fat Helps reduce heart rate and helps prevent heart attacks.
- Mint, lemon balm have a calming, vasodilating, hypotensive, anti-inflammatory effect.
- Valerian It is used for strong palpitations, heart pain, and has a calming effect.
- Calendula helps with tachycardia, arrhythmia, hypertension.
Surgical methods for treating cardiac dyspnea include the following procedures:
- Coronary artery bypass surgery is an operation whose purpose is to restore normal blood flow in the coronary arteries. This is done with the help of shunts, which allow you to bypass the affected or narrowed section of the coronary artery. To do this, a section of a peripheral vein or artery is taken and sewn between coronary artery and aorta. Thus, blood flow is restored.
- Valve replacement, valve restoration- this is the only type of operation with which you can radically ( fully) eliminate heart defects. Valves can be natural ( biological material, human or animal) and artificial ( synthetic materials, metals).
- Pacemaker- This special device, which supports cardiac activity. The device consists of two main parts - a generator of electrical impulses and an electrode that transmits these impulses to the heart. Pacing can be external ( however, this method is now rarely used) or internal ( implantation of a permanent pacemaker).
- Heart transplant. This method is the most extreme and, at the same time, the most difficult. Heart transplantation is performed at a time when it is no longer possible to cure the disease and maintain the patient’s condition using any other methods.
Pulmonary dyspnea
Pulmonary dyspnea is a disorder of the depth and frequency of breathing associated with diseases of the respiratory system. With pulmonary dyspnea, there are obstructions for air that rushes into the alveoli ( the final part of the breathing apparatus, has the shape of a bubble), insufficient oxygenation occurs ( oxygen saturation) blood, and characteristic symptoms appear. Causes of pulmonary dyspnea
Pulmonary dyspnea may appear as a consequence of inflammatory diseases of the lung parenchyma, the presence of foreign bodies in the respiratory tract and other pathologies of the respiratory system.Conditions that most often lead to pulmonary dyspnea:
- pneumothorax;
- hemothorax;
- pulmonary embolism;
- aspiration.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a disease characterized by partially reversible and progressive obstruction of air flow in the respiratory tract due to an inflammatory process.
The most common causes of COPD are the following:
- Smoking. 90% of COPD cases are caused by smoking ( this includes passive smoking );
- Pollution of atmospheric and indoor air with various harmful substances (dust, pollution by substances emitted by street transport and industrial enterprises);
- Recurrent ( frequently repeated) infections bronchi and lungs often lead to exacerbation and progression of COPD;
- Frequent infections respiratory tract in childhood.
The main symptoms of COPD are:
- Cough It rarely appears in the early stage and becomes chronic as the disease progresses.
- Sputum initially it is secreted in small quantities, then its quantity increases, it becomes viscous and purulent.
- Dyspnea- this is the latest symptom of the disease, it can appear several years after the onset of the disease, at first it appears only during intense physical exertion, then appears during normal exercise. Shortness of breath, as a rule, is of a mixed type, that is, both on inhalation and on exhalation.
Bronchial asthma
Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the respiratory tract, which is characterized by periodic attacks of breathlessness. The number of asthma patients is about 5–10% of the population.
The causes of bronchial asthma include:
- hereditary factor, which occurs in approximately 30% of cases;
- allergic substances in the environment ( pollen, insects, mushrooms, animal hair);
- professional factors at workplaces ( dust, harmful gases and fumes).
The most characteristic manifestations of bronchial asthma are:
- periodic occurrence of episodes of shortness of breath;
- cough;
- feeling of discomfort in the chest;
- the appearance of sputum;
- panic.
Emphysema
Emphysema is an irreversible expansion of the air space of the distal bronchioles as a result of destructive changes in their alveolar walls.
Among the causes of pulmonary emphysema, there are 2 main factors:
- COPD;
- alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
The main symptoms of emphysema are:
- dyspnea;
- sputum;
- cough;
- cyanosis;
- “barrel” chest;
- expansion of intercostal spaces.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an acute or chronic inflammation of the lungs that affects the alveoli and/or interstitial tissue of the lungs. Every year, about 7 million cases of pneumonia worldwide result in death.
Pneumonia is predominantly caused by various microorganisms and is an infectious disease.
The most common pathogens that cause pneumonia are the following:
- Pneumococcus;
- respiratory viruses ( adenovirus, influenza virus);
- legionella.
The most characteristic symptoms of pneumonia are the following:
- acute onset with fever;
- cough with copious sputum production;
- dyspnea;
- headache, weakness, malaise;
- chest pain.
Pneumothorax
Pneumothorax is the accumulation of air in the pleural cavity. Pneumothorax can be open or closed, depending on the presence of communication with the environment.
Pneumothorax may occur in the following cases:
- Spontaneous pneumothorax which occurs most often. Usually, spontaneous pneumothorax caused by rupture of blisters in pulmonary emphysema.
- Injury– penetrating ( penetrating) chest injuries, rib fractures.
- Iatrogenic pneumothorax (related to medical care) – after pleural puncture, chest surgery, catheterization of the subclavian vein.
Clinical manifestations of pneumothorax are:
- stabbing pain in the affected part of the chest;
- dyspnea;
- asymmetrical movements of the chest;
- pale or bluish discoloration of the skin;
- coughing attacks.
Hemothorax is an accumulation of blood in the pleural cavity. The pleural cavity with the accumulation of blood compresses the lung, complicates breathing movements and promotes displacement of the mediastinal organs.
Hemothorax appears as a consequence of the following factors:
- injuries ( penetrating chest wounds, closed injuries );
- medical procedures ( after surgical operations, punctures);
- pathologies ( tuberculosis, cancer, abscess, aortic aneurysm).
Symptoms characteristic of hemothorax are:
- pain in the chest that gets worse when coughing or breathing;
- dyspnea;
- forced sitting or semi-sitting position ( to alleviate the condition);
- tachycardia;
- pale skin;
- fainting.
Pulmonary embolism
Pulmonary embolism is a blockage of the lumen of the pulmonary artery by emboli. An embolus may be a thrombus ( most common cause of embolism), fat, tumor tissue, air.
Clinically, pulmonary embolism is manifested by the following symptoms:
- shortness of breath ( most common symptom);
- tachycardia;
- strong pain in the chest;
- cough, hemoptysis ( hemoptysis);
- fainting, shock.
Pulmonary embolism can lead to pulmonary infarction, acute respiratory failure, instant death. In the initial stages of the disease, with timely medical care, the prognosis is quite favorable.
Aspiration
Aspiration is a condition characterized by the penetration of foreign bodies or liquid into the respiratory tract.
Aspiration is manifested by the following symptoms:
- expiratory shortness of breath;
- sharp cough;
- suffocation;
- loss of consciousness;
- noisy breathing that can be heard from a distance.
Diagnosis of pulmonary dyspnea
Diagnosing pulmonary dyspnea may seem simple at first glance. However, the purpose of diagnosis in this case is not only to identify the presence of a disease of the respiratory system, but also the form, stage, course of the disease and prognosis. Only correct diagnosis can become the basis for adequate therapy.Diagnosis of pulmonary dyspnea is carried out using the following methods:
- physical examination;
- general blood analysis;
- general urine analysis;
- blood chemistry;
- determination of the level of D-dimers in the blood;
- chest x-ray;
- CT, MRI;
- scintigraphy;
- pulse oximetry;
- body plethysmography;
- spirometry;
- sputum examination;
- bronchoscopy;
- laryngoscopy;
- thoracoscopy;
- Ultrasound of the lungs.
The first step in diagnosing pulmonary dyspnea is taking a history and examining the patient.
When collecting anamnesis, the following factors are of great importance:
- age;
- presence of chronic pulmonary diseases;
- conditions in the workplace, as a large number of lung diseases arise from inhalation harmful substances and gases during operation;
- smoking is an absolute risk factor for pulmonary diseases;
- decreased immunity ( the body's defenses), when the body is unable to fight pathogenic factors;
- heredity ( bronchial asthma, tuberculosis, cystic fibrosis).
When examining a patient, pay attention to the following details:
- Skin color. Skin color may be pale or bluish, reddish ( hyperemia).
- Forced position. With pleural effusion, lung abscess ( unilateral lesions) the patient tries to lie on the affected side. During an attack of bronchial asthma, the patient sits or stands and leans on the edge of a bed, table, or chair.
- Chest shape. A “barrel-shaped” chest can be caused by emphysema. Asymmetrical chest occurs with unilateral lesions.
- Fingers in the form drumsticks appear with prolonged respiratory failure.
- Breathing characteristics– increase or decrease in the frequency of respiratory movements, shallow or deep, arrhythmic breathing.
After palpation, begin percussion ( tapping). During percussion, the lower border of the lungs and the apex of the lung are determined, and the percussion sound on the right and left is compared. Normally, the percussion sound in the area where the lungs are located is ringing and clear. With pathological changes, a clear pulmonary sound is replaced by a tympanic, dull, box sound.
Auscultation of the lungs is performed while sitting or standing. In this case, the main respiratory sounds are heard, additional ( pathological) breath sounds ( rales, crepitus, pleural friction rub).
General blood analysis
In a general blood test, there are a number of indicators that are characterized by changes in pulmonary diseases.
A complete blood count provides the following information important for diagnosing shortness of breath:
- Anemia– in pulmonary diseases it is established due to the phenomenon of hypoxia.
- Leukocytosis– purulent lung diseases, infectious diseases of the respiratory tract ( bronchitis, pneumonia).
- Increase in ESR ( erythrocyte sedimentation rate) indicates the presence of inflammatory diseases.
A general urine test, as well as a general blood test, is prescribed as a routine research method. It does not directly inform about any pulmonary disease, but the following indicators can be detected - albuminuria, erythrocyturia, cylindruria, azotemia, oliguria.
Blood chemistry
A biochemical blood test is a very important method of laboratory research, the results of which make it possible to judge the condition of various organs. Biochemical blood test allows you to detect active and latent diseases, inflammatory processes
For pulmonary diseases, the following biochemical blood test indicators are important:
- Total protein. With diseases of the respiratory system, it often decreases.
- Albumin-globulin ratio, in which changes occur during inflammatory lung diseases, namely, the amount of albumin decreases and the amount of globulins increases.
- SRB ( C-reactive protein) increases in inflammatory and dystrophic lung diseases.
- Haptoglobin (a protein found in blood plasma that binds hemoglobin) increases in pneumonia and other inflammatory diseases.
D-dimer level
D-dimer is a component of the fibrin protein that is involved in blood clot formation. An increase in D-dimers in the blood indicates the process of excessive thrombus formation, although it does not indicate the exact location of the thrombus. The most common reasons Increases in D-dimers are pulmonary embolism, malignant neoplasms. If this indicator is normal, pathology cannot be excluded, since there is a possibility of obtaining false negative results.
X-ray of the chest organs
Chest x-ray is the most common x-ray examination method.
The list of diseases detected using radiography is extensive and includes the following:
- pneumonia;
- tumors;
- bronchitis;
- pneumothorax;
- pulmonary edema;
- injuries;
- other.
Diseases of the respiratory system can be detected by the following signs:
- decreased transparency of lung tissue;
- darkening of the pulmonary fields is the main radiological sign of pneumonia ( associated with inflammatory changes in lung tissue), atelectasis;
- increased pulmonary pattern - COPD, tuberculosis, pneumonia;
- expansion of the root of the lung - chronic bronchitis, tuberculosis, expansion of the pulmonary arteries;
- foci of pneumosclerosis in COPD, chronic bronchitis, atelectasis, pneumoconiosis;
- smoothness of the costophrenic angle – pleural effusion;
- a cavity with a horizontal level of fluid is characteristic of a lung abscess.
CT and MRI of the lungs are among the most accurate and informative methods. A wide variety of pulmonary diseases can be detected using these methods.
Thus, using CT and MRI, the following diseases can be diagnosed:
- tumors;
- tuberculosis;
- pneumonia;
- pleurisy;
- enlarged lymph nodes.
Scintigraphy is a research method that involves introducing radioactive isotopes into the body and analyzing their distribution in various organs. Scintigraphy mainly detects pulmonary embolism.
The procedure is carried out in two stages:
- Blood supply scintigraphy. A labeled radioactive substance is injected intravenously. When the substance decays, it emits radiation, which is recorded by a camera and visualized on a computer. The absence of radiation indicates the presence of an embolism or other pulmonary disease.
- Ventilation scintigraphy. The patient inhales a radioactive substance, which, along with the inhaled air, spreads through the lungs. If you find an area where gas does not enter, this indicates that something is blocking the flow of air ( tumor, fluid).
Pulse oximetry
Pulse oximetry – diagnostic method determination of blood oxygen saturation. Normal oxygen saturation should be 95 – 98%. When this indicator decreases, they speak of respiratory failure. The manipulation is carried out using a pulse oximeter. This device is fixed on a finger or toe and calculates the content of oxygenated ( oxygenated) hemoglobin and pulse rate. The device consists of a monitor and a sensor that detects pulsation and provides information to the monitor.
Bodyplethysmography
Body plethysmography is a more informative method compared to spirography. This method allows you to analyze in detail the functional capacity of the lungs, determine the residual lung volume, total lung capacity, functional residual lungs, which cannot be determined with spirography.
Spirometry
Spirometry is a diagnostic method that examines the function of external respiration. The study is carried out using a spirometer. During the examination, the nose is pinched with fingers or with a clamp. To avoid unwanted effects ( dizziness, fainting) it is necessary to strictly follow the rules and constantly monitor the patient.
Spirometry can be performed with calm and forced ( reinforced) breathing.
During quiet breathing, vital capacity is determined(vital capacity)and its components:
- expiratory reserve volume ( after taking the deepest breath possible, exhale as deeply as possible);
- inspiratory volume ( after exhaling as deeply as possible, take a deep breath).
With forced breathing, FVC is determined ( forced vital capacity). To do this, exhale calmly, inhale as deeply as possible, and then immediately exhale as deeply as possible without pause. FVC decreases with pathology of the pleura and pleural cavity, obstructive pulmonary diseases, and disturbances in the functioning of the respiratory muscles.
Sputum analysis
Sputum is a pathological discharge secreted by the glands of the bronchi and trachea. Normally, these glands produce a normal secretion, which has a bactericidal effect and helps in the release of foreign particles. At various pathologies respiratory system produces sputum ( bronchitis, tuberculosis, lung abscess).
Before collecting material for research, it is recommended to drink a large volume of water 8–10 hours in advance.
Sputum analysis includes the following points:
- Initially, the characteristics of sputum are analyzed ( content of mucus, pus, blood, color, smell, consistency).
- Then microscopy is performed, which informs about the presence of various formed elements in the sputum. Microorganisms can be detected.
- Bacteriological analysis is carried out to detect microorganisms that may cause infection.
- Determination of sensitivity to antibiotics ( antibiogram) allows you to find out whether the detected microorganisms are sensitive or resistant to antibacterial drugs, which is very important for adequate treatment.
Bronchoscopy is an endoscopic method for examining the trachea and bronchi. To carry out the procedure, a bronchofiberscope is used, which is equipped with a light source, a camera, and special parts for performing the manipulation, if necessary and possible.
Using bronchoscopy, the mucous membrane of the trachea and bronchi is examined ( even the smallest branches). This is the most suitable method for visualizing the inner surface of the bronchi. Bronchoscopy allows you to assess the condition of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, identify the presence of inflammatory changes and the source of bleeding, take material for a biopsy, and remove foreign bodies.
Preparation for bronchoscopy consists of the following:
- the last meal should be 8 hours before the procedure to prevent aspiration of gastric contents in case of possible vomiting;
- Before the procedure, premedication is recommended ( pre-administration of drugs);
- conducting a detailed blood test and coagulogram before the procedure;
- It is recommended not to drink liquids on the day of the test.
- local anesthesia of the nasopharynx is performed;
- the bronchoscope is inserted through the nose or mouth;
- the doctor gradually examines the condition of the mucous membrane as the device is introduced;
- if necessary, material is taken for a biopsy, a foreign body is removed, or other necessary medical procedure;
- At the end of the procedure, the bronchoscope is removed.
Laryngoscopy
Laryngoscopy is a research method in which the larynx is examined using a special device called a laryngoscope.
There are two methods for performing this manipulation:
- Indirect laryngoscopy. This method is currently considered outdated and is used quite rarely. The idea is to insert a special small mirror into the oropharynx and visualize the mucous membrane using a reflector that illuminates it. To avoid gagging, local spraying with an anesthetic solution is carried out ( pain reliever).
- Direct laryngoscopy. This is a more modern and informative research method. There are two options – flexible and rigid. In flexible laryngoscopy, the laryngoscope is inserted through the nose, the larynx is examined, and then the device is removed. Rigid laryngoscopy is a more complex method. During this procedure, it is possible to remove foreign bodies and take material for a biopsy.
Thoracoscopy is an endoscopic research method that allows you to examine the pleural cavity using a special instrument - a thoracoscope. The thoracoscope is inserted into the pleural cavity through a puncture in the chest wall.
Thoracoscopy has several advantages:
- low-injury;
- information content
- manipulation can be carried out before open operations to argue for the need for one or another type of treatment.
This procedure for examining the lungs is less informative due to the fact that the lung tissue is filled with air, as well as due to the presence of ribs. All this interferes with the examination.
However, there are a number of lung diseases that can be diagnosed using ultrasound:
- accumulation of fluid in the pleural cavity;
- lung tumors;
- lung abscess;
- pulmonary tuberculosis.
Treatment of pulmonary dyspnea
Doctors take a comprehensive approach to the treatment of pulmonary dyspnea, using different methods and means. Treatment is aimed at eliminating the cause of shortness of breath, improving the patient’s condition and preventing relapses ( repeated exacerbations) and complications.Treatment of pulmonary dyspnea is carried out using the following methods:
- Therapeutic, which includes medications and non-drug therapy.
- Surgical method.
Non-drug therapy for pulmonary dyspnea includes:
- rejection of bad habits ( primarily from smoking);
- breathing exercises;
- active immunization against pneumococcus, influenza virus;
- rehabilitation of chronic foci of infection.
Drug therapy
| Group of drugs | Group representatives | Mechanism of action |
| Beta2-agonists |
| Relaxation and expansion of the muscular wall of the bronchi. |
| M-anticholinergics |
|
|
| Methylxanthines |
|
|
| Antibiotics |
| Death and suppression of pathogenic flora. |
| GKS (glucocorticosteroids) |
| Anti-inflammatory effect, reducing swelling of the respiratory tract, reducing the formation of bronchial secretions. |
Also important in the treatment of pulmonary dyspnea is oxygen inhalation ( inhalation). The effectiveness of oxygen inhalation in cases of pneumonia, bronchial asthma, and bronchitis has been proven. Typically, the inhalation procedure lasts approximately 10 minutes, but its duration can be increased if indicated. You should be careful, as too long a procedure can also cause harm.
If other treatment methods are ineffective, surgical methods of treatment are resorted to. In some cases, surgery is the only chance for a patient’s recovery.
Surgical methods for treating pulmonary dyspnea include:
- Pleural puncture (thoracentesis) is a puncture of the pleural cavity. The pleural cavity is located between the two layers of the pleura. The puncture is performed in a sitting position. A place for puncture is selected, disinfected, then done local anesthesia novocaine solution ( if there is no allergic reaction to it). After this, an injection is given in this area; when a feeling of failure is felt, this means that the parietal pleura has been punctured and the manipulation is successful. Next, the syringe plunger is pulled and the liquid is evacuated ( blood, pus, effusion). It is not recommended to pull out a large amount of liquid at one time, as this is fraught with complications. After removing the needle, the puncture site is treated with an antiseptic and a sterile bandage is applied.
- Thoracotomy is an operation in which open access to the chest organs is performed through opening the chest wall.
- Drainage of the pleural cavity (Bülau drainage) is a manipulation to remove fluid and air from the pleural cavity using drainage.
- Surgical reduction of lung volume. The part of the lungs damaged by emphysema cannot be treated or restored. In this regard, an operation is performed to surgically reduce the volume of the lungs, that is, the non-functional part of the lung is removed so that the less damaged part can function and provide gas exchange.
- Lung transplant. This is a very serious operation that is performed for progressive, chronic fibrosing lung diseases. Transplantation is a radical surgical method that consists of completely or partially replacing the diseased lungs of a sick person with healthy ones taken from a donor. Transplantation, despite the complexity of its implementation and postoperative therapy, significantly increases the length and quality of life of the patient.
Anemia as a cause of shortness of breath
Anemia is a decrease in the level of hemoglobin, hematocrit or red blood cells. Anemia can be either a separate disease or a symptom of other diseases. Most often in clinical practice Iron deficiency anemia occurs. Shortness of breath with anemia develops as a result of the destruction, disruption of formation or loss of red blood cells in the body, and a disturbance in the synthesis of hemoglobin. As a result, oxygen transport to organs and tissues is disrupted and hypoxia is established. Causes of anemia
Anemia is a disease that can occur as a result of a wide variety of factors. For all etiological factors different mechanisms of action are characteristic, but the effect remains common for all - the state of anemia.Nutritional deficiencies most often occur for the following reasons:
- vegetarian diets;
- long-term diets on exclusively dairy products;
- poor quality nutrition among low-income populations.
A lack of iron in the body causes disturbances in the formation of hemoglobin, which binds and transports oxygen to tissues. Thus, tissue hypoxia and corresponding symptoms develop. Anemia associated with a lack of iron is called iron deficiency and is the most common.
Malabsorption of nutrients
In some cases, the necessary nutrients are present in the required quantities in the diet, but due to certain pathologies they are not absorbed into the body. gastrointestinal tract.
Malabsorption of nutrients most often occurs in the following cases:
- malabsorption syndrome ( nutrient malabsorption syndrome);
- gastrectomy ( removal of part of the stomach);
- resection of the proximal part of the small intestine;
- chronic enteritis ( chronic inflammation of the small intestine).
There are periods of life when the human body needs certain substances more. In this case, nutrients enter the body and are absorbed well, but they cannot cover the metabolic needs of the body. During these periods, hormonal changes occur in the body, and the processes of cell growth and reproduction intensify.
These periods include:
- teenage years;
- pregnancy;
When bleeding occurs, large losses of blood and, accordingly, red blood cells occur. In this case, anemia develops as a consequence of the loss of a large number of red blood cells. The danger is that anemia sets in acutely, threatening the patient’s life.
Anemia as a result of massive blood loss can result from:
- injuries;
- bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract ( gastric and duodenal ulcers, Crohn's disease, diverticulosis, esophageal varices);
- blood loss during menstruation;
- donation;
- hemostasis disorders.
In some cases, anemia appears as a side effect of certain medications. This happens when drugs are prescribed inappropriately without taking into account the patient’s condition or drugs are prescribed for too long a period. Typically, the drug binds to the red blood cell membrane and leads to its destruction. Thus, hemolytic drug anemia develops.
Drugs that can cause anemia include:
- antibiotics;
- antimalarials;
- antiepileptic drugs;
- antipsychotic medications.
Tumors
The mechanism of anemia in malignant tumors complex. In this case, anemia may appear as a result of massive blood loss ( colorectal cancer), lack of appetite ( which, in turn, leads to insufficient intake of nutrients necessary for hematopoiesis into the body), taking antitumor drugs that can lead to suppression of hematopoiesis.
Intoxication
Poisoning with substances such as benzene and lead can also lead to the development of anemia. The mechanism is increased destruction of red blood cells, impaired synthesis of porphyrins, and damage to the bone marrow.
Genetic factor
In some cases, anemia is established as a result of anomalies that occur at the gene level.
Abnormalities that lead to anemia include:
- defect in the red blood cell membrane;
- disruption of hemoglobin structure;
- enzymopathies ( disruption of enzyme systems).
Diagnosis of anemia
Diagnosing anemia is not difficult. A detailed general blood test is usually necessary.General blood count indicators important for diagnosing anemia
| Index | Norm | Change in anemia |
| Hemoglobin |
| Decreased hemoglobin levels. |
| Red blood cells |
| Decreased red blood cell levels. |
| Average red blood cell volume |
| Decreased with iron deficiency anemia, increased with megaloblastic ( B12-deficient) anemia. |
| Reticulocytes |
| Increased in hemolytic anemia, thalassemia, in initial stage cure anemia. |
| Hematocrit |
| Decreased hematocrit. |
| Platelets |
| Decreased platelet levels. |
In order to specify exactly what type of anemia a particular one has, they use a number of additional research. This is a key point in prescribing treatment, because different types of anemia require different therapeutic techniques.
To effectively treat anemia, it is necessary to adhere to several principles:
- Treatment of chronic diseases that cause anemia.
- Dieting. A balanced diet with sufficient nutrients necessary for hematopoiesis.
- Taking iron supplements for iron deficiency anemia. Iron supplements are usually given orally, but in rare cases they may be given intravenously or intramuscularly. However, with this administration of the drug there is a risk of developing an allergic reaction, and the effectiveness is lower. Iron preparations include sorbifer, ferrum lek, ferroplex.
- Taking cyanocobalamin ( subcutaneous injections) before normalization of hematopoiesis and after for prevention.
- Stopping bleeding in anemia caused by blood loss with various medications or through surgery.
- Transfusions ( transfusion) blood and its components are prescribed in case of a patient’s serious condition that threatens his life. Reasoned prescription of blood transfusions is necessary.
- Glucocorticoids are prescribed for anemia caused by autoimmune mechanisms ( that is, antibodies are produced against one’s own blood cells).
- Folic acid preparations in tablets.
- increase in hemoglobin level in the third week of treatment;
- increase in the number of red blood cells;
- reticulocytosis on days 7–10;
- disappearance of symptoms of sideropenia ( iron deficiency in the body).
Why does shortness of breath occur during pregnancy?
Most often, shortness of breath during pregnancy occurs in the second and third trimester. As a rule, this is a physiological condition ( which is not a manifestation of the disease).The appearance of shortness of breath during pregnancy is easy to explain, taking into account the stages of development of the child in the womb.
During pregnancy, shortness of breath occurs for the following reasons:
- Dyspnea as a compensatory mechanism. Shortness of breath appears as a mechanism of the body’s adaptation to the increased need for oxygen during pregnancy. In this regard, changes occur in the respiratory system - the frequency and depth of breathing increases, the work of the respiratory muscles increases, and vital capacity increases ( vital capacity) and tidal volume.
- Hormonal changes in the body also affects the appearance of shortness of breath. For the normal course of pregnancy, changes in the production of hormones occur in the body. So, progesterone ( a hormone that is produced in large quantities by the placenta during pregnancy), stimulating the respiratory center, helps to increase pulmonary ventilation.
- Fetal weight gain. As the weight of the fetus increases, the uterus becomes enlarged. The enlarged uterus gradually begins to put pressure on nearby organs. When pressure begins on the diaphragm, breathing problems begin, which primarily manifest as shortness of breath. Shortness of breath is usually mixed, that is, both inhalation and exhalation are difficult. In about 2–4 weeks, changes occur in the pregnant woman’s body that affect the breathing process. The uterus drops down by 5–6 centimeters, which leads to easier breathing.
Pathological shortness of breath during pregnancy can result from:
- Anemia is a condition that often appears during pregnancy. Due to hemoglobin related disorders ( disruption of synthesis, insufficient intake of iron into the body), oxygen transport to tissues and organs is disrupted. As a result, hypoxemia occurs, that is, low oxygen content in the blood. Therefore, it is especially important to monitor the level of red blood cells and hemoglobin in a pregnant woman to avoid complications.
- Smoking. There are many reasons for shortness of breath when smoking. Firstly, damage occurs to the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract. Also, atherosclerotic plaques accumulate on the walls of blood vessels, which contributes to poor circulation. In turn, impaired blood circulation affects the breathing process.
- Stress is a factor that contributes to an increase in the respiratory rate and heart rate; it is subjectively felt as a lack of air, a feeling of tightness in the chest.
- Respiratory system diseases (bronchial asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, COPD).
- Diseases of the cardiovascular system (cardiomyopathy, heart disease, heart failure).
- elevated temperature;
- dizziness and loss of consciousness;
- cough;
- pallor or cyanosis;
- headache;
- fatigue and malaise.
Why does shortness of breath occur with osteochondrosis?
Most often, shortness of breath occurs with cervical osteochondrosis and osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine. Due to osteochondrosis, breathing problems occur and a feeling of lack of air appears. Dyspnea in osteochondrosis can have different mechanisms of occurrence. Dyspnea with osteochondrosis develops most often for the following reasons:
- Reducing the space between vertebrae. Due to degenerative changes ( violations in the structure) of the vertebrae and the spine as a whole, the intervertebral discs gradually become thinner. Thus, the space between the vertebrae is reduced. And this, in turn, contributes to pain, stiffness and shortness of breath.
- Vertebral displacement. With the progressive course of the disease, dystrophic changes ( characterized by cell damage) in tissues can also lead to displacement of the vertebrae. Displacement of different vertebrae can lead to characteristic consequences. Shortness of breath, as a rule, occurs when the first thoracic vertebra is displaced.
- Compression of blood vessels. When the space between the vertebrae decreases or they are displaced, the vessels are compressed. Thus, the blood supply to the diaphragm, which is the main respiratory muscle, becomes problematic. Also when cervical osteochondrosis compression of the neck vessels occurs. At the same time, the blood supply to the brain deteriorates, vital centers in the brain are depressed, including the respiratory center, which leads to the development of shortness of breath.
- Pinched or damaged nerve roots can lead to sharp pain, which is accompanied by difficulty breathing and shortness of breath, especially when inhaling. Pain due to osteochondrosis limits breathing movements.
- Deformation ( violation in the structure) chest. Due to the deformation of individual vertebrae or parts of the spinal column, deformation of the chest occurs. In such conditions, breathing becomes difficult. The elasticity of the chest also decreases, which also limits the ability to breathe fully.
To prevent the appearance of shortness of breath during osteochondrosis, you must adhere to the following rules:
- timely diagnosis of osteochondrosis;
- adequate drug treatment;
- physiotherapeutic procedures and massage;
- physiotherapy;
- avoiding prolonged stay in one position;
- matching bed and pillow for quality rest during sleep;
- breathing exercises;
- avoiding a sedentary lifestyle;
- avoiding excessive physical activity.
What to do if a child has shortness of breath?
In general, shortness of breath in children can be caused by the same reasons as in adults. However, the child’s body is more sensitive to pathological changes in the body and reacts to the slightest changes, since the child’s respiratory center is quite easily excitable. One type of reaction of the child’s body to various factors ( stress, physical activity, increased body temperature and ambient temperature) is the appearance of shortness of breath. Normally, the frequency of respiratory movements in a child is higher than in adults. There are normal breathing rates for each age group, so don't panic if your child's breathing rate seems elevated. Perhaps this is just the norm for his age. Respiration rate is measured in a calm state, without physical activity or stress preceding the measurement. It is best to measure the respiratory rate while the child is sleeping.
Respiratory rate norms for children of different age groups
| Child's age | Normal respiratory rate |
| Up to 1 month | 50 – 60/min |
| 6 months – 1 year | 30 – 40/min |
| 1 – 3 years | 30 – 35/min |
| 5 – 10 years | 20 – 25/min |
| Over 10 years old | 18 – 20/min |
If you notice a deviation from the norm in the frequency of respiratory movements, you should not ignore it, as this may be a symptom of a disease. It is worth consulting a doctor for qualified medical help.
If a child experiences shortness of breath, you can contact your family doctor, pediatrician, cardiologist, or pulmonologist. In order to get rid of shortness of breath in a child, you should find its cause and fight the cause.
Shortness of breath in a child may occur as a result of the following factors:
- rhinitis ( inflammation of the nasal mucosa) can also lead to shortness of breath by making it difficult for air to pass through the airways;
- bronchial asthma, which is manifested by periodic attacks of severe shortness of breath, and the diagnosis of which in childhood is sometimes quite difficult to establish;
- viral diseases (influenza virus, parainfluenza virus, adenovirus);
- heart disease ( heart defects), which in addition to shortness of breath are also manifested by cyanosis and developmental delays in the child;
- lung diseases ( pneumonia, emphysema);
- entry of a foreign body into the respiratory tract is a condition that requires immediate intervention, as this can very quickly lead to death;
- hyperventilation syndrome, which manifests itself during stress, panic disorder, hysteria; in this case, the level of carbon dioxide in the blood decreases, which, in turn, contributes to hypoxia;
- cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease characterized by serious disorders of respiration and exocrine glands;
- physical exercise;
- diseases of the immune system;
- hormonal imbalance.
Is it possible to treat shortness of breath using traditional methods?
For shortness of breath, you can use remedies traditional medicine. But you must be extremely careful. After all, shortness of breath is often a manifestation of serious diseases that can become a threat to human life. Traditional medicine can be used if shortness of breath occurs occasionally and after heavy physical activity or excitement. If shortness of breath appears when walking or even at rest, you need to sound the alarm. This condition requires immediate consultation with a doctor in order to assess the condition of the body, find the cause of shortness of breath and prescribe appropriate treatment. In any case, folk remedies can be used as a separate method of treatment ( if shortness of breath is not a manifestation of a serious illness) and as an addition to the main drug course of treatment. Traditional medicine has many means and methods for treating shortness of breath, which have different mechanisms of action. Such remedies can be taken in the form of solutions, tinctures, and teas.
The following traditional medicine methods can be used to treat shortness of breath:
- Cranberry infusion. Pour 5 tablespoons of cranberries into 500 ml of boiling water, let it brew for several hours, then add 1 teaspoon of honey. The prepared infusion should be drunk within 24 hours.
- Infusion of wormwood. To prepare the infusion, you need to pour boiling water over 1–2 teaspoons of wormwood and let it brew for half an hour. After the infusion is ready, take 1 teaspoon half an hour before meals 3 times a day.
- Astragalus root infusion prepared on a water basis. To do this, take 1 tablespoon of dried and crushed astragalus root and pour boiling water over it. Then you need to let the mixture brew for several hours. The finished tincture is taken 3 times a day, 3 tablespoons.
- A mixture of honey, lemon and garlic. To prepare the mixture, you need to add 10 peeled and chopped heads of garlic to 1 liter of honey, and also squeeze the juice from 10 lemons. Then you need to tightly close the container in which the mixture is prepared and put it in a dark place for 1 - 2 weeks. After this, the medicine is ready for use. It is recommended to drink 1 teaspoon of this medicine 3 to 4 times a day.
- Infusion of potato sprouts. First you need to dry it well, then chop and grind the raw materials. Dried sprouts are poured with alcohol and infused for 10 days. It is recommended to take the infusion 1 – 3 potassium 3 times a day.
- Motherwort infusion. Pour 1 tablespoon of motherwort into a glass of boiling water, let it brew for an hour, and then drink half a glass 2 times a day.
- Melissa infusion. 2 tablespoons of dried lemon balm leaves are poured with a glass of boiling water and infused for 30 minutes. Take the product 3-4 times a day, 3-4 tablespoons.
- Infusion of hawthorn flowers. To prepare the infusion, pour 1 teaspoon of hawthorn flowers into 1 glass of boiling water and leave for 1 – 2 hours. Once ready, the infusion is taken 3 times a day, 1/3 cup.
Thank you
The site provides reference information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases must be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Consultation with a specialist is required!
What is shortness of breath?
Dyspnea- This symptom which accompanies many diseases. It is characterized by three main external features:- the patient feels a lack of air, a feeling of suffocation occurs;
- breathing usually becomes more rapid;
- The depth of inhalation and exhalation changes, breathing becomes noisier.
What are its main reasons?
There are quite a large number of pathological conditions that manifest themselves in the form of shortness of breath. They can be combined into three large groups, depending on the initial reasons that led to the violations:- Heart pathologies are one of the most common causes of shortness of breath among older people. When the heart ceases to cope with its function normally, the flow of blood and oxygen to various organs, including the brain, begins to decrease. As a result, breathing intensifies.
- Diseases of the bronchi and lungs. If the bronchi are narrowed and the lung tissue is pathologically changed due to some disease, then the required amount of oxygen does not penetrate into the blood. The respiratory system tries to work more intensively.
- Anemia. At the same time, the lungs provide the blood with sufficient oxygen. The heart pushes it well through tissues and organs. But due to a lack of red blood cells (erythrocytes) and hemoglobin, the bloodstream is unable to carry oxygen to the tissues.
1. When did the shortness of breath begin?
2. Do attacks occur only during physical activity, or at rest too?
3. What is more difficult to do: inhale or exhale?
4. In what position does it become easier to breathe?
5. What other symptoms are you worried about?
Types of shortness of breath
Basically, in different diseases, shortness of breath has the same symptoms. The greatest differences relate to how the symptom manifests itself during individual phases of breathing. In this regard, there are three types of shortness of breath:1. Inspiratory dyspnea - occurs on inspiration.
2. Expiratory shortness of breath - occurs on exhalation.
3. Mixed shortness of breath - both inhalation and exhalation are difficult.
Cardiac dyspnea
Cardiac dyspnea is shortness of breath that is caused by diseases of the cardiovascular system.Heart failure
Heart failure is a term that should be understood, rather, not as a specific disease of the circulatory system, but as disturbances in the functioning of the heart caused by various diseases. Some of them will be discussed below. Heart failure is characterized by shortness of breath during walking and physical activity. If the disease progresses further, constant shortness of breath may occur, which persists at rest, including during sleep.
Other characteristic symptoms of heart failure are:
- combination of shortness of breath with swelling in the legs, which appear mainly in the evening;
- periodic pain in the heart, feeling increased heart rate and interruptions;
- bluish tint to the skin of the feet, fingers and toes, tip of the nose and earlobes;
- high or low blood pressure;
- general weakness, malaise, increased fatigue;
- frequent dizziness, sometimes fainting;
- Often patients are bothered by a dry cough, which occurs in the form of attacks (the so-called cardiac cough).
Treatment of shortness of breath in heart failure is determined by the nature of the disease that caused it. To enhance cardiac activity, the doctor may prescribe cardiac glycosides.
Shortness of breath and high blood pressure: hypertension
With hypertension, an increase in blood pressure inevitably leads to overload of the heart, which impairs its pumping function, leading to shortness of breath and other symptoms. Over time, if left untreated, it leads to heart failure.Along with shortness of breath and high blood pressure, other characteristic manifestations of hypertension occur:
- headaches and dizziness;
- redness of the facial skin, feeling of hot flashes;
- violation general well-being: a patient with arterial hypertension gets tired faster, he does not tolerate physical activity and any stress;
- “floaters before the eyes” - flickering of small spots of light;
- periodic pain in the heart area.
The diagnosis and treatment of shortness of breath, the occurrence of which is associated with arterial hypertension, is carried out by a therapist and a cardiologist. Prescribe constant monitoring of blood pressure, biochemical tests blood, ECG, ultrasound of the heart, chest x-ray. Treatment consists of continuous use of medications that help keep blood pressure levels stable.
Acute severe pain in the heart and shortness of breath: myocardial infarction
Myocardial infarction is an acute, dangerous condition in which a section of the heart muscle dies. In this case, heart function quickly and sharply deteriorates, and blood flow is impaired. Since the tissues do not have enough oxygen, the patient often experiences severe shortness of breath during the acute period of myocardial infarction. Other symptoms of myocardial infarction are very characteristic and make it quite easy to recognize this condition:
1.
Shortness of breath is combined with pain in the heart, which occurs behind the sternum. It is very strong and has a stabbing and burning character. At first, the patient may think that he is simply having an angina attack. But the pain does not go away after taking nitroglycerin for more than 5 minutes.
2.
Paleness, cold clammy sweat.
3.
Feeling of heart failure.
4.
Strong feeling fear - the patient thinks that he is about to die.
5.
A sharp drop in blood pressure as a result pronounced violation pumping function of the heart.
If shortness of breath and other symptoms associated with myocardial infarction occur, the patient requires emergency assistance. You need to immediately call an ambulance, which will inject the patient with a strong painkiller and transport him to the hospital.
Shortness of breath and palpitations with paroxysmal tachycardia
Paroxysmal tachycardia is a condition in which the normal rhythm of the heart is disrupted and it begins to contract much more often than it should. At the same time, it does not provide sufficient contraction force and normal blood supply to organs and tissues. The patient notes shortness of breath and increased heart rate, the severity of which depends on how long the tachycardia lasts and how severely the blood flow is impaired.For example, if the heartbeat does not exceed 180 beats per minute, then the patient can tolerate tachycardia completely normally for up to 2 weeks, while complaining only of a feeling of increased heartbeat. At a higher frequency, complaints of shortness of breath occur.
If the breathing disorder is caused by tachycardia, then this heart rhythm disturbance is easily detected after electrocardiography. In the future, the doctor must identify the disease that originally led to this condition. Antiarrhythmic and other medications are prescribed.
Pulmonary vasculitis
Periarteritis nodosa is an inflammatory lesion small arteries, which most often affects the blood vessels of the lungs, significantly disrupting pulmonary blood flow. A manifestation of this condition is chest shortness of breath. Moreover, it appears 6–12 months earlier than all other symptoms:- increased body temperature, fever: most often shortness of breath is combined with these signs, so patients themselves mistakenly believe that they have developed pneumonia or another respiratory infection;
- abdominal pain associated with damage to the blood vessels of the abdominal cavity;
- arterial hypertension - increased blood pressure as a result of narrowing of peripheral vessels by the inflammatory process;
- polyneuritis – damage to small nerves due to disruption of their blood supply;
- pain in muscles and joints;
- over time, the patient notes a significant loss of body weight;
- signs of kidney damage.
Acute shortness of breath, tachycardia, drop in blood pressure, suffocation:
pulmonary embolism
Pulmonary embolism is an acute condition that manifests itself in the entry of a detached blood clot into the pulmonary vessels. In this case, shortness of breath, tachycardia (rapid heartbeat) and other symptoms develop: - drop in blood pressure;
- the patient becomes pale, cold, sticky sweat appears;
- there is a sharp deterioration in the general condition, which can reach the point of loss of consciousness;
- bluishness of the skin.
When the first signs of incipient pulmonary embolism appear, the patient needs emergency medical care. You should call a doctor immediately.
Pulmonary edema
Pulmonary edema is an acute pathological condition that develops when left ventricular function is impaired. First, the patient feels severe shortness of breath, which turns into suffocation. His breathing becomes loud, bubbling. At a distance, wheezing can be heard from the lungs. A wet cough appears, during which clear or watery mucus leaves the lungs. The patient turns blue and suffocation develops.For shortness of breath associated with pulmonary edema, emergency medical attention is required.
Pulmonary dyspnea
Shortness of breath is a symptom of almost all diseases of the lungs and bronchi. When the respiratory tract is affected, it is associated with difficulty in the passage of air (during inhalation or exhalation). In lung diseases, shortness of breath occurs because oxygen cannot penetrate normally through the walls of the alveoli into the bloodstream.Bronchitis
Shortness of breath is a characteristic symptom of bronchitis, an inflammatory infection of the bronchi. Inflammation can be localized in the large bronchus, and in smaller ones, and in bronchioles, which directly pass into the lung tissue (in this case, the disease is called bronchiolitis).Dyspnea occurs in acute and chronic obstructive bronchitis. The course and symptoms of these forms of the disease differ:
1.
Acute bronchitis has all the signs of an acute infectious disease. The patient's body temperature rises, a runny nose, sore throat, dry or wet cough, and a disturbance in the general condition. Treatment of shortness of breath during bronchitis involves the prescription of antiviral and antibacterial drugs, expectorants, and bronchodilators (dilating the lumen of the bronchi).
2.
Chronical bronchitis
can lead to constant shortness of breath, or its episodes in the form of exacerbations. This disease is not always caused by infections: it is caused by long-term irritation of the bronchial tree with various allergens and harmful chemicals, tobacco smoke. Treatment for chronic bronchitis is usually long-term.
With obstructive bronchitis, difficulty in exhaling (expiratory shortness of breath) is most often noted. This is caused by three groups of reasons, which the doctor tries to combat during treatment:
- secretion of a large amount of viscous mucus: expectorants help remove it;
- an inflammatory reaction, as a result of which the wall of the bronchus swells, narrowing its lumen: this condition is combated with the help of anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antimicrobial drugs;
- spasm of the muscles that make up the bronchial wall: against this condition, the doctor prescribes bronchodilators and antiallergic drugs.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
COPD is a broad term that is sometimes confused with chronic bronchitis, but in fact they are not exactly the same thing. Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases are an independent group of diseases that are accompanied by a narrowing of the lumen of the bronchi, and manifest themselves in the form of shortness of breath as the main symptom. Constant shortness of breath in COPD occurs due to a narrowing of the airways, which is caused by the action of irritating harmful substances on them. Most often, the disease occurs in heavy smokers and people who are employed in hazardous work.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases are characterized by the following features:
- The process of narrowing of the bronchi is practically irreversible: it can be stopped and compensated with the help of medications, but cannot be reversed.
- The narrowing of the airways and, as a result, shortness of breath are constantly increasing.
- Dyspnea is predominantly expiratory in nature: small bronchi and bronchioles are affected. Therefore, the patient inhales air easily, but exhales it with difficulty.
- Shortness of breath in such patients is combined with a wet cough, during which sputum is expelled.
Treatment of shortness of breath in COPD is a complex and lengthy undertaking. The disease often leads to the patient's disability and loss of ability to work.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an infectious disease in which an inflammatory process develops in the lung tissue. Shortness of breath and other symptoms occur, the severity of which depends on the pathogen, the extent of the lesion, and the involvement of one or both lungs in the process.Shortness of breath with pneumonia is combined with other symptoms:
1. Usually the disease begins with a sharp increase in temperature. It is similar to a severe respiratory viral infection. The patient feels a deterioration in his general condition.
2. There is a severe cough, which leads to the release of a large amount of pus.
3. Shortness of breath with pneumonia is observed from the very beginning of the disease and is of a mixed nature, that is, the patient has difficulty inhaling and exhaling.
4. Pale, sometimes bluish-gray skin tone.
5. Chest pain, especially in the place where the pathological focus is located.
6. In severe cases, pneumonia is often complicated by heart failure, which leads to increased shortness of breath and the appearance of other characteristic symptoms.
If you experience severe shortness of breath, cough or other symptoms of pneumonia, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible. If treatment is not started within the first 8 hours, the prognosis for the patient worsens greatly, even leading to death. The main diagnostic method for shortness of breath caused by pneumonia is chest x-ray. Antibacterial and other medications are prescribed.
Shortness of breath in bronchial asthma
Bronchial asthma is allergic disease, in which there is an inflammatory process in the bronchi, accompanied by spasm of their walls and the development of shortness of breath. The following symptoms are characteristic of this pathology:- Dyspnea in bronchial asthma always develops in the form of attacks. In this case, it is easy for the patient to inhale air, but it is very difficult to exhale it (expiratory dyspnea). The attack usually goes away after taking or inhaling bronchomimetics - drugs that help relax the bronchial wall and expand its lumen.
- With a prolonged attack of shortness of breath, pain occurs in the lower part of the chest, which is associated with tension in the diaphragm.
- During an attack, a cough and a feeling of some congestion in the chest occur. In this case, practically no sputum is produced. It is viscous, glassy, and comes off in small quantities, usually at the end of an episode of suffocation.
- Shortness of breath and other symptoms of bronchial asthma most often occur during patient contact with certain allergens: plant pollen, animal hair, dust, etc.
- Others are often noted at the same time allergic reactions in the form of urticaria, rash, allergic rhinitis etc.
- Most severe manifestation bronchial asthma – the so-called status asthmaticus. It develops like a normal attack, but is not controlled with bronchomimetics. Gradually, the patient's condition worsens, to the point that he falls into a coma. Status asthmaticus is a life-threatening condition and requires emergency medical attention.
Lung tumors
Lung cancer is a malignant tumor that is asymptomatic in the early stages. At the very beginning, the process can only be detected by chance, during radiography or fluorography. Later, when the malignant neoplasm reaches a sufficiently large size, shortness of breath and other symptoms occur: - Frequent hacking cough which bothers the patient almost constantly. In this case, sputum is released in very small quantities.
- Hemoptysis- one of the most characteristic symptoms lung cancer and tuberculosis.
- Chest pain joins shortness of breath and other symptoms if the tumor grows beyond the lungs and affects the chest wall.
- Violation of general condition patient, weakness, lethargy, weight loss and complete exhaustion.
- Lung tumors often give metastases to lymph nodes, nerves, internal organs, ribs, sternum, spinal column. In this case, additional symptoms and complaints appear.
Diagnosis of the causes of shortness of breath in malignant tumors in the early stages is quite difficult. Most informative methods are radiography, computed tomography, examination of tumor markers in the blood (special substances that are formed in the body in the presence of a tumor), cytological examination of sputum, bronchoscopy.
Treatment may include surgery, the use of cytostatics, radiation therapy and other, more modern methods.
Other diseases of the lungs and chest that cause shortness of breath
There are also a large number of pulmonary pathologies that are less common, but can also lead to shortness of breath:- Pulmonary tuberculosis – a specific infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
- Actinomycosis of the lungs – fungal disease, the cause of which is mainly a significant decrease in immunity.
- Pneumothorax- a condition in which there is damage to the lung tissue, and air penetrates from the lungs into the chest cavity. The most common spontaneous pneumothorax is caused by infections and chronic processes in the lungs.
- Emphysema is swelling of the lung tissue that also occurs in some chronic diseases.
- Violation of the inhalation process as a result respiratory muscle damage (intercostal muscles and diaphragm) for poliomyelitis, myasthenia gravis, paralysis.
- Abnormal chest shape and compression of the lungs for scoliosis, defects of the thoracic vertebrae, ankylosing spondylitis (ankylosing spondylitis), etc.
- Silicosis– occupational diseases that are associated with deposits of dust particles in the lungs, and manifest themselves in the form of shortness of breath and other symptoms.
- Sarcoidosis is an infectious disease of the lungs.
Pallor and shortness of breath on exertion: anemia
Anemia (anemia) is a group of pathologies that are characterized by a decrease in the content of red blood cells and hemoglobin in the blood. The causes of anemia can be very diverse. The number of red blood cells may decrease due to congenital hereditary disorders, past infections and serious illnesses, blood tumors (leukemia), internal chronic bleeding and diseases of internal organs. All anemias have one thing in common: as a result of a decrease in the level of hemoglobin in the bloodstream, less oxygen reaches organs and tissues, including the brain. The body tries to somehow compensate for this condition, as a result the depth and frequency of breaths increases. The lungs try to “pump” more oxygen into the blood.
Shortness of breath with anemia is combined with the following symptoms:
1.
The patient literally feels a loss of strength, constant weakness, he does not tolerate increased physical activity. These symptoms occur much earlier before shortness of breath occurs.
2.
Pale skin is a characteristic sign, since it is the hemoglobin contained in the blood that gives it a pink color.
3.
Headaches and dizziness, impaired memory, attention, concentration - these symptoms are associated with oxygen starvation of the brain.
4.
Vital functions such as sleep, sexual desire, and appetite are also disrupted.
5.
With severe anemia, heart failure develops over time, leading to worsening shortness of breath and other symptoms.
6.
Some individual species Anemias also have their own symptoms. For example, with B12 deficiency anemia, skin sensitivity is impaired. With anemia associated with liver damage, in addition to pale skin, jaundice also occurs.
The most reliable type of research that allows you to identify anemia is a general blood test. The treatment plan is developed by a hematologist, depending on the causes of the disease.
Shortness of breath in other diseases
Why does shortness of breath occur after eating?
Shortness of breath after eating is a fairly common complaint. However, by itself it does not allow one to suspect any specific disease. The mechanism of its development is as follows.After eating, the digestive system begins to work actively. The gastric mucosa, pancreas and intestines begin to secrete numerous digestive enzymes. Energy is needed to push food through the digestive tract. Proteins, fats and carbohydrates processed by enzymes are then absorbed into the bloodstream. In connection with all these processes, a large amount of blood flow to the organs of the digestive system is necessary.
Blood flow in the human body is redistributed. The intestines receive more oxygen, other organs receive less. If the body works normally, then no disturbances are noted. If there are any diseases or abnormalities, then internal organs oxygen starvation develops, and the lungs, trying to eliminate it, begin to work at an accelerated pace. Shortness of breath appears.
If you experience shortness of breath after eating, then you need to see a therapist in order to undergo an examination and understand its causes.
Obesity
In obesity, shortness of breath occurs as a result of the following reasons:- Organs and tissues do not receive enough blood because it is difficult for the heart to push it through the entire body of fat.
- Fat is also deposited in the internal organs, making it difficult for the heart and lungs to function.
- The subcutaneous layer of fat makes it difficult for the respiratory muscles to work.
- Overweight and obesity are conditions that in the vast majority of cases are accompanied by atherosclerosis and arterial hypotension - these factors also contribute to the occurrence of shortness of breath.
Diabetes
In diabetes mellitus, shortness of breath is associated with the following reasons:- If your blood glucose levels are not controlled at all, diabetes over time leads to damage to small vessels. As a result, all organs are constantly in a state of oxygen starvation.
- Type II diabetes often results in obesity, which makes it difficult for the heart and lungs to function.
- Ketoacidosis is acidification of the blood with the appearance of so-called ketone bodies, which are formed as a result of increased levels of glucose in the blood.
- Diabetic nephropathy is damage to the kidney tissue as a result of impaired renal blood flow. This provokes anemia, which, in turn, causes even more severe oxygen starvation of the tissues and shortness of breath.
Thyrotoxicosis
Thyrotoxicosis is a condition in which there is excessive production of thyroid hormones. In this case, patients complain of shortness of breath. Shortness of breath in this disease is due to two reasons. Firstly, all metabolic processes in the body intensify, so it feels the need for increased quantity oxygen. At the same time, the heart rate increases, up to atrial fibrillation. In this condition, the heart is not able to pump blood normally through tissues and organs; they do not receive the required amount of oxygen.
Shortness of breath in a child: the most common causes
In general, shortness of breath in children occurs due to the same reasons as in adults. However, there are some specifics. We will take a closer look at some of the most common diseases that cause shortness of breath in a child.Respiratory distress syndrome of the newborn
This is a condition when a newborn baby's pulmonary blood flow is disrupted, causing pulmonary edema. Most often, distress syndrome develops in children born to women with diabetes, bleeding, heart and vascular diseases. In this case, the child experiences the following symptoms:1. Severe shortness of breath. At the same time, breathing becomes very rapid, and the baby’s skin acquires a bluish tint.
2. The skin becomes pale.
3. Mobility of the chest is difficult.
Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome requires immediate medical attention.
Laryngitis and false croup
Laryngitis is an inflammatory disease of the larynx, which manifests itself as sore throat, barking cough, and hoarseness. In this case, the child easily experiences swelling of the vocal cords, which leads to severe inspiratory shortness of breath and a state of suffocation. Usually the attack occurs in the evening. In this case, you need to immediately call an ambulance, ensure a flow of fresh air into the room, and apply heat to the heels.Dyspnea in children with diseases of the respiratory system
In children, bronchitis leads to shortness of breath much more often than in adults. Even a banal acute respiratory infection can lead to shortness of breath. also in Lately In childhood, bronchial asthma and other allergic diseases are becoming more common.Congenital heart defects
There are many types of congenital heart abnormalities. The most common among them are:- open oval window;
- open interventricular septum;
- open botal duct;
- tetralogy of Fallot.
Anemia in children
Shortness of breath in a child associated with anemia is quite common. Anemia may be caused by congenital hereditary reasons, Rh conflict between mother and newborn, malnutrition and hypovitaminosis.Causes of shortness of breath during pregnancy
During pregnancy, a woman's cardiovascular and respiratory systems begin to experience increased stress. This happens as a result of the following reasons: - the growing embryo and fetus require more oxygen;
- the total volume of blood circulating in the body increases;
- the growing fetus begins to put pressure on the diaphragm, heart and lungs from below, which complicates breathing movements and heart contractions;
- When a pregnant woman is malnourished, anemia develops.
If shortness of breath during pregnancy is severe and often bothers you, then you should definitely visit a doctor at the antenatal clinic.
Treatment of shortness of breath
To understand how to treat shortness of breath, you first need to understand what causes this symptom. It is necessary to find out what disease led to its occurrence. Without this, high-quality treatment is impossible, and incorrect actions, on the contrary, can harm the patient. Therefore, medications for shortness of breath should be prescribed strictly by a therapist, cardiologist, pulmonologist or infectious disease specialist.Also, you should not use all kinds of folk remedies for shortness of breath on your own, without the knowledge of a doctor. At best, they will be ineffective or have minimal effect.
If a person notices this symptom, he should visit a doctor as soon as possible to prescribe therapy.
Before use, you should consult a specialist.A patient’s complaints that it has become “difficult to breathe” are periodically heard by a doctor of any specialty, because breathing problems are, to one degree or another, inherent in a variety of diseases and conditions. A feeling of lack of air, or shortness of breath, may accompany severe physical fatigue, stress, obesity. If shortness of breath is accompanied by dizziness and weakness, sometimes sweating and other unpleasant symptoms, this can be a harbinger of serious internal diseases.
We breathe - we don’t breathe: when shortness of breath is dangerous
Shortness of breath is a complex process of the body’s response to breathing problems and oxygen deficiency (photo: sportobzor.ru)
Usually a person does not pay attention to how he breathes. But if the breathing frequency, its rhythm, the depth of inhalations and exhalations are disturbed, a feeling of lack of air immediately appears, which is called shortness of breath. Dyspnea can be inspiratory - when it is difficult to inhale and expiratory - when it is not possible to exhale completely. The extreme degree of lack of air is characterized as suffocation.
The physiological essence of shortness of breath is that there is a lot of carbon dioxide in the blood and little oxygen. Nerve signals about oxygen deficiency reflexively enter the respiratory center and cerebral cortex, which respond to these signals as follows:
- are happening muscle spasms- blood vessels narrow and a cough develops, heart rhythm is disturbed;
- the cerebral cortex regulates sweating, and if nerve impulses sweating indicates excess carbon dioxide;
- the absorption of blood glucose is impaired - the person feels shortness of breath with dizziness and weakness;
- from a lack of oxygen, the production of many proteins, hormones, enzymes is disrupted and fatigue develops.
The reasons for the imbalance in the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide may be related to environmental conditions: stuffy room, thin mountain air, high physical activity. Various neuroses, stress, and hysterics disrupt uniform breathing and oxygen supply. Shortness of breath can be caused by diseases of the cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous systems, provoked by anemia, high acidity of the stomach and diabetes, other diseases and conditions when life often depends on the timely restoration of breathing.
Sometimes shortness of breath is combined with other symptoms - fatigue, weakness, sweating, dizziness. The doctor must take them into account to determine the causes of shortness of breath.
Shortness of breath and lungs: the most dangerous symptoms
Impaired breathing accompanies all diseases and conditions associated with the bronchi or lungs. The most dangerous of them is the entry of a foreign body into the respiratory tract, which can cause suffocation and, without immediate medical attention, lead to death.
Other problems that cause shortness of breath and weakness are usually associated with inflammatory or tumor processes in the bronchi and lungs, which disrupts their normal ventilation and makes it difficult for a person to breathe:
- infectious diseases (bronchitis, pneumonia). TO inflammatory process intoxication occurs, therefore, along with shortness of breath, rapid fatigue, weakness, sweating, lethargy, and chest pain appear;
- pneumonia - the causes of shortness of breath and weakness lie in inflammation of the lung tissue. It is difficult for the patient to inhale and exhale, the process is accompanied by a strong purulent cough and high fever;
- bronchitis - shortness of breath is characterized by difficulty breathing due to inflammatory swelling of the bronchi, muscle spasm in the bronchial walls and accumulation of mucus;
- bronchial asthma - manifests itself as severe shortness of breath, especially when in contact with allergens, when air is easy to inhale and difficult to exhale;
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - severe shortness of breath and weakness, associated with a narrowing of the lumen of the bronchi, due to which air is easily inhaled, but difficult to exhale;
- lung tumor - has characteristic symptoms in the form of hemoptysis and constant hacking cough. Shortness of breath is accompanied by weakness, lethargy and exhaustion.
The causes of shortness of breath can be various damage to the respiratory muscles. For example, with scoliosis, poliomyelitis, fungal infection of the lungs (actinomycosis). Occupational diseases (when particles of dust, metals, paints and other substances are deposited in the lungs).
Each of the bronchopulmonary diseases accompanied by shortness of breath requires a special treatment regimen. Improvement in general condition usually relieves weakness and fatigue, and makes breathing easier.
Heavy breathing with heart problems
Heart problems often creep up unnoticed, and the first sign may be shortness of breath during physical exertion, and later the feeling of lack of air does not leave even at rest. Almost everything cardiovascular diseases are accompanied by shortness of breath, and its combination with some other characteristic symptoms will allow you to predict the disease in time and not start it:
- heart failure is a complex of heart dysfunctions when blood begins to circulate slowly and organs do not receive enough oxygen. Shortness of breath is accompanied by fatigue, general weakness, frequent dizziness and heart pain;
- hypertension - shortness of breath occurs due to overload of the heart due to increased blood pressure. Accompanied by rapid fatigue, headaches, tinnitus;
- Myocardial infarction is the death of a section of the heart muscle, which dramatically disrupts blood flow and oxygen supply to tissues. Severe shortness of breath and characteristic cold, clammy sweating occur with a feeling of interruptions in the functioning of the heart;
- coronary heart disease - shortness of breath and rapid heartbeat develop due to a narrowing of the lumen of the vessels that supply the heart muscle. Accompanied by nausea and sweating, chest pain;
- arrhythmia - there are different types, but they are all accompanied by shortness of breath and severe weakness, a feeling of lack of air, irregular heart function;
- mitral valve prolapse - causes shortness of breath with weakness and dizziness, a feeling of pressure in the chest due to increased load on the heart due to impaired blood flow;
- cardiac asthma is a condition caused by acute insufficiency left sides of the heart. Accompanied by shortness of breath, turning into suffocation, and cold, sticky sweat. Without timely treatment, it can develop into pulmonary edema.
Cardiac dyspnea can sometimes be complicated by problems digestive tract when the respiratory center is affected by acids during acidosis, toxic substances during liver diseases, gases during flatulence, and breathing becomes shallow. Symptoms of shortness of breath, dizziness and weakness soften and disappear as the underlying heart disease and related diseases are treated.
Shortness of breath and other signs of hormonal disorders
Choking, dizziness and weakness are common signs of menopause in women (photo: polzavred.ru)
For diseases endocrine system and hormonal fluctuations, there is almost always shortness of breath combined with sweating and fatigue. This condition is explained by the excessive production of hormones, which dramatically increase metabolic processes. The body experiences a lack of oxygen, and the person begins to “grab air” to compensate for its deficiency:
- thyrotoxicosis - shortness of breath is accompanied by nervousness, weakness and fatigue, constantly damp skin;
- diabetes mellitus - shortness of breath and weakness, fatigue develop against the background of damage to the vascular system and chronic lack of oxygen. Sweating in diabetes is very specific: the face, palms and armpits suffer from increased sweating, and the skin on the legs and feet is characterized by increased dryness;
- menopause - a condition accompanied by hot flashes, which causes heavy sweating. Periodically there is a feeling of suffocation, severe weakness and dizziness due to fluctuations in the production of various hormones.
In many diseases and conditions associated with hormonal disorders, anemia develops when the level of hemoglobin in the blood is reduced and the brain, along with other tissues, does not receive enough oxygen. Oxygen deficiency forces the respiratory system to work harder. A person begins to breathe frequently and shallowly - attacks of shortness of breath occur. Choking does not occur with anemia, but dizziness and a feeling of lack of air, frequent fainting become the leading manifestations of the condition, weakness and daytime drowsiness develop.
During pregnancy, many women develop shortness of breath with dizziness. This condition is associated not only with increased stress on the heart and blood vessels or compression of the diaphragm, but also with hormonal fluctuations that increase blood circulation. If shortness of breath increases, we can assume the development of anemia, which often occurs in pregnant women. Treatment, as in other cases of shortness of breath due to hormonal disorders, is prescribed by a doctor. Restoring stable hormonal levels, as a rule, relieves shortness of breath, dizziness, weakness and others discomfort.
Shortness of breath and weakness in neurotic disorders
Shortness of breath can occur against the background of severe nervous excitement, stress, anxiety or fear. It is usually characterized by the so-called “dog breathing” - frequent and superficial, with an extremely uneven rhythm. May be accompanied by increased sweating. You can cope with such shortness of breath by switching your attention from the disturbing topic, then holding your breath, and then try to breathe slowly and deeply. Then accept any depressant.
Sometimes people with hypochondriacal tendencies experience shortness of breath, the inability to breathe fully due to some fears, in a depressed state and increased anxiety. They often complain of a feeling of obstruction in the chest, open the windows wide to get fresh air, are sure of the development of severe heart disease, and sometimes even experience attacks of false asthma (sudden attacks of shortness of breath without damage to the respiratory system). Clinically, psychogenic severe shortness of breath is characterized by its combination with frequent sighs and groans. To treat such shortness of breath, drugs that relieve neuroses, sedatives, and antidepressants are usually used.
Hyperventilation syndrome is another condition associated with psychogenic shortness of breath. It happens that a person assumes that he has a pulmonary or heart disease, is afraid of death from suffocation and, in the process of self-observation, begins to breathe rapidly. As a result, breathing regulation fails and a large amount of oxygen enters the body while the level of carbon dioxide critically decreases. Clinically, this is manifested by shortness of breath and weakness combined with sweating and fatigue. The person often yawns, complains of dry mouth, severe dizziness with darkness in the eyes and fainting, and a feeling of goosebumps crawling all over the body. For treatment, beta blockers that reduce anxiety and sedatives may be recommended.
Shortness of breath with dizziness and even fainting can be caused by certain diseases of the nervous system, tumors and brain injuries, when the muscles responsible for the act of breathing begin to work inconsistently and breathing is impaired.
Causes of shortness of breath not related to illness
Shortness of breath and sweating may accompany large meals. If the body has to digest food that contains a lot of difficult-to-digest components (fats, spices, animal and plant fibers, etc.), a lot of enzymes are released and a lot of energy is expended. To ensure this process, blood flow to the digestive organs increases, and the person begins to breathe unevenly and sweat.
In obesity, shortness of breath and weakness are typical sensations associated with difficulties in the functioning of the respiratory muscles, which are created by excess subcutaneous fat. In addition, excess fat deposits impair the functioning of the heart and blood vessels, creating oxygen deficiency and disrupting rhythmic breathing.
The cause of shortness of breath and dizziness can be smoking or even being in a smoky room, taking alcohol and drugs. Excitants from cigarette smoke or alcoholic beverages can stimulate the respiratory center of the brain, causing uneven contraction of the respiratory muscles.
Shortness of breath may develop while taking certain medications. A reaction similar to bronchitis - with shortness of breath accompanied by dizziness and weakness, with cough due to accumulated bronchial secretions - can be caused by antibiotics, sulfonamides, and some cardiac and neurological drugs. Sometimes even non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and antiallergic drugs can cause shortness of breath if there is hypersensitivity to them.
Finally, shortness of breath and weakness are the first indicators of insufficient physical fitness. When muscles are physically tense, blood circulation increases and the body's need for oxygen increases, so a person breathes more often. This physiological shortness of breath occurs after a short run or quickly climbing stairs. It may be accompanied by sweating. But if, after a regular fitness workout, your clothes are thoroughly wet from sweat, or after a run after a bus, your breathing cannot be restored for a long time, then the load is too much for the body and it needs regular and reasonable physical exercise to improve health.
Shortness of breath is a symptom of many health disorders. For information about the causes of shortness of breath, accompanying symptoms and possible dangers, see the video below.
Vegetative-vascular dystonia is a complex of symptoms that develop when the activity of the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions autonomic system. Breathing problems with VSD are the most common symptoms. They are often perceived as a threat to life. And many patients are interested in how dangerous breathing is with vegetative-vascular dystonia, why it occurs, and how to get rid of this condition?
Causes of the symptom
Doctors assure that because vegetative-vascular dystonia is not a disease in itself, then the symptoms that arise do not pose a serious threat to patients, especially if they are treated in a timely manner. But before therapeutic measures it is necessary to make sure that the attack of suffocation is not a sign of any serious illness (bronchial asthma, pneumonia, pleurisy and others).
The feeling of lack of air during VSD is caused by various reasons, but, as a rule, most often it is the body’s response to a stressful situation, panic attacks, hormonal changes (menopause, thyroid disease) or heavy physical activity.
U especially emotional people difficulty breathing can occur even with unexpected joy or positive shocks. To understand why breathing problems occur, you need to know how the whole process occurs.
In response to a negative factor influencing the development of respiratory syndrome in vascular dystonia, a process of hyperventilation develops, in which the patient breathes too quickly or deeply. The increase in inhalation, its depth, heart rate and vascular lumen depend on the hormones that enter the blood during an emotional outburst.
Hyperventilation disrupts the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Rapid breathing removes carbon dioxide from the blood, and vasoconstriction occurs to compensate for the missing amount. But, despite the fact that there is more than enough oxygen, due to vascular spasm it does not reach the brain in the required quantity. At the same time, the blood supply to the brain structures is disrupted.
The above processes lead to the fact that the brain, experiencing hypoxia and lack of nutrition, transmits a signal to the respiratory system to increase breathing speed and increase its depth in order to provide itself with oxygen. At the same time, the adrenal glands release even greater amounts of the hormone adrenaline into the blood.
This whole process resembles a vicious circle - panic constantly increases and the brain experiences increasing hypoxia. This is explained by the inconsistency in the work of the departments of the autonomic system and other organs. The reason for the lack of air is not the functioning of the respiratory organs, but vascular stenosis that occurs under the influence of hormones. Thus, we can assume that attacks of suffocation during VSD occur due to dysfunction of the autonomic and hormonal systems body.
Clinical picture
Lack of air during VSD has various symptoms, so each patient experiences certain sensations. But the most common complaints you hear are: “I feel like I’m about to suffocate,” “I can’t breathe,” “I’m suffocating and my chest hurts.” In this case, most patients experience inspiratory shortness of breath, that is, the person “suffocates” due to the inability to take a breath.
What symptoms occur with difficulty breathing due to dystonia:
- It's hard to take a breath.
- Feeling of lack of fresh air.
- Stiffness in the chest area.
- Tingling from the heart.
- Feelings of a lump in the throat.
Patients with respiratory syndrome should remember that the attacks of suffocation that occur during VSD are not a sign of a disease of the cardiovascular or respiratory system, and therefore practically cannot cause serious harm to health. Shortness of breath with VSD is accompanied by other symptoms, which makes it possible to differentiate the neurological disorder from other diseases. Thus, shortness of breath is complemented by:
- Regular headaches, dizziness.
- Decreased memory and concentration.
- Gastrointestinal disorder.
- Irritability.
- Neuroses and psycho-emotional disorders.
- Decreased libido.
Judging by the appearance of the patient during an attack, you can notice that his skin turns pale and becomes covered in cold sweat. Even from the outside it is noticeable that he lacks air and finds it difficult to breathe. When the patient thinks he is suffocating, obvious fear is visible on his face. During a severe attack, the patient’s breathing is not only difficult, but also convulsive.
A distinctive feature of shortness of breath in vegetative-vascular dystonia is that attacks occur only during wakefulness and never at night, while other diseases often worsen at night.
The most common consequence of lack of air is short-term loss of consciousness. Usually a person comes to his senses within a few seconds after the attack. Complications in the form of enhancement can be observed less frequently neurological symptoms VSD caused by frequent hypoxia. All this can lead to frequent nervous breakdowns and mental disorders.
Treatment and prevention
The feeling of lack of air with vegetative-vascular dystonia should never be ignored. This condition requires qualified help and consultation of at least three specialists: a neurologist, an endocrinologist and a psychotherapist.
It is possible to cope with all the symptoms of VSD only with complex treatment, adequately prescribed therapy and self-organization. When a diagnosis of “vegetative-vascular dystonia” is made, lifestyle changes should be made - this will be the best preventive measure for the occurrence of shortness of breath and other signs of neurological disorders.
What is included in a correct lifestyle:
Treatment for shortness of breath includes herbal medications with a sedative effect. Thus, infusions of valerian, motherwort, and pharmaceutical sedatives (Sedafiton, Novo-passit) are used. But many people notice that herbal medications for VSD do not help or they have to wait a long time for the effect, so they prefer to take synthetic medications. Patients with frequent attacks are recommended to use medications that help improve their condition:
- sedatives (Corvalol);
- beta blockers (Anaprilin);
- tranquilizers (Gidazepam);
- antidepressants (Deprim).
A psychotherapist can help restore your psycho-emotional state and learn to “close yourself” from negative situations. Individual sessions help to identify the root cause of the problem, cope with it, and also fight panic attacks. Group classes aimed at communicating with similar patients. In a general discussion of the problems, the cause and method of overcoming the pathology are clarified.
When suffocation occurs during VSD, it is necessary first of all to stop the development of the attack. To do this you need:
Need to learn breathing exercises, they help restore breathing, prevent an attack and panic from developing due to the danger of suffocation. Combining therapeutic exercises and breathing exercises is effective.
Shortness of breath when autonomic disorders- Very common symptom. And although it brings a lot of unpleasant sensations and psychological problems, you need to understand that in most cases this manifestation of VSD is not dangerous. With the right actions and attitude, it can be quickly stopped and prevented from reoccurring.
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