Question 1

What is breathlessness a sign of?

Accepted Answer

Breathlessness can be a symptom of conditons affecting lungs and heart which needs to evaluated and treated accordingly

Question 2

What is the most common cause of shortness of breath?

Accepted Answer

Allergic reaction or anaphylaxis, sudden blood loss, anemia, Anxiety, Foreign body or choking, lung infections like pneumonis, Fluid in lung, Collapse lung, Blood clot in lung vasculature like Pulmonary embolism, Asthma, COPD, Pregnancy, Heart attack or failure, Heart rhythm irregularity.

Question 3

What is a heart cough?

Accepted Answer

Heavy breathing accompanied by spells of wet cough with frothy sputum that may be tinged with blood is called as "Cardiac cough or Heart cough". It is a sign of congestive heart failure. Additional symptoms such as shortness of breath on exertion or rest, leg swelling, waking up from sleep in the middle of night gasping and coughing differentiate heart cough from cough due to lung conditions.

Question 4

How can I check my lungs at home?

Accepted Answer

At home, you may check your lungs functioning with an instrument named "Peak Flow meter". It is a small hand held device, when you blow air into it, it calculates the lung capacity and expansion. Spirometer is another instrument which helps in similar way in lung assessment and additionally it also has therapeutic usage. You may check oxygenation level by "Pulse Oximeter" which gives indirect clue on lung damage but keep in mind there are other medical conditions which may affect pulse oximeter readings.

Question 5

How can I clean my lungs?

Accepted Answer

There is no scientific proof to methods available online to detox your lungs. Fortunately, Lungs are good at cleaning and repairing themselves unless there was any chronic damage done. You may follow some steps to keep the lungs healthy such as Quit smoking, avoid second-hand smoke, steer clear of pollution indoors & outside (Wear mask, use air purifiers), prevent lung infections (Hand washing, maintain distance from sick people, get flu/pneumonia vaccines), include anti oxidants in diet and do breathing exercises or any physical activity on regular basis.

Question 6

Can a blocked artery cause shortness of breath?

Accepted Answer

Yes it is possible when coronary arteries, that is, arteries related to heart are blocked.

What is breathlessness a sign of?

What is breathlessness a sign of?

Related Questions

What is the most common cause of shortness of breath?

What is a heart cough?

How can I check my lungs at home?

How can I clean my lungs?

Can a blocked artery cause shortness of breath?

General Physician/ Internal Medicine

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