What Causes Breathlessness?
Shortness of breath that starts suddenly can be caused by:
- Coronavirus 2019 – This is an infection caused by a virus called SARS-CoV-2.
- Lung problems, such as asthma, infections, or blood clots – These conditions might cause other symptoms, too. For example, a lung infection usually causes a fever and cough.
- Heart problems, such as a heart attack or heart failure – A heart attack can also cause chest pain or pressure. Heart failure is when the heart does not pump as well as it should.
- A severe allergic reaction, called "anaphylaxis"
- Pregnancy
For shortness of breath that happens over weeks to months, the most common causes are:
- Lung problems, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) – Both of these conditions can make it hard to breathe. COPD usually happens in people who have smoked for at least several years.
- Heart problems, such as heart failure or a change in the size and shape of the heart (called cardiomyopathy)
- Being overweight or out of shape
- Anxiety or panic disorders
Risk Factors
Controllable
Tobacco and secondhand smoke
![tobacco cigarette icon](/-/media/breathlessness-clinic/images/tobacco.jpg?h=300&iar=0&w=240&hash=053BDFE0F475586668C3AB84A2E1AE69)
Radon
![radon icon](/-/media/breathlessness-clinic/images/radon.jpg?h=300&iar=0&w=240&hash=3A8BE9DBC343779DE07A8E4D50F3F9C0)
Asbestos
![asbestos icon](/-/media/breathlessness-clinic/images/asbestos.jpg?h=300&iar=0&w=240&hash=22F134253DBD27CDB557FAC268BA1DF2)
Toxic workplace chemicals
![toxic workplace chemicals](/-/media/breathlessness-clinic/images/toxic-workplace-chemicals.jpg?h=300&iar=0&w=240&hash=D1F14513DCB6F8CD91AE261EAC3E2DD9)
Non-controllable
Genetics
![genetics icon](/-/media/breathlessness-clinic/images/genetics.jpg?h=300&iar=0&w=240&hash=2A6719593596313578EA4300B9E3CA83)
Air pollution
![air pollution icon](/-/media/breathlessness-clinic/images/air-pollution.jpg?h=300&iar=0&w=240&hash=DDF235885F4F59FACCB08CA162881657)
Radiation therapy
![radiation therapy icon](/-/media/breathlessness-clinic/images/radiation-therapy.jpg?h=300&iar=0&w=240&hash=21C2323D013BC610A38C02A6CFCF1225)