Breathlessness is a common symptom of respiratory conditions such as COPD and asthma. It can range from mild discomfort to a more intense sensation that makes speaking or continuing an activity difficult. Because breathlessness is a personal experience, describing its intensity and characteristics can provide useful information about how a person is feeling at a particular moment and what exactly can do for making it less severe.
However, when breathlessness is not adequately controlled, it may persist or worsen and interfere increasingly with daily activities and quality of life. Understanding the factors that can trigger or aggravate breathlessness is therefore an important step towards preventing its worsening and managing symptoms more effectively.
What can Trigger or Worsen Shortness of Breath?
Several factors can trigger or worsen shortness of breath in people with asthma and COPD. Respiratory infections can increase airway inflammation and mucus production, while environmental and occupational exposures, such as tobacco smoke, air pollution, dust and chemical irritants, can further irritate the airways. Physical exertion may also increase breathlessness, particularly when lung function and exercise capacity are reduced. In COPD, air trapping and hyperinflation can make it difficult to fully exhale and increase the effort required to breathe. Anxiety and stress may further intensify the sensation of breathlessness, creating a cycle between breathing difficulties and emotional distress:
What Triggers Asthma Symptoms?Symptoms can also worsen when inhalers are used incorrectly or treatment is not taken as prescribed. Finally, other health conditions and comorbidities may contribute to persistent or worsening breathlessness. Recognizing these potential triggers can help people better understand changes in their breathing and manage their symptoms more effectively.
Do you want to be prepared?
Recognise changes in your breathing and take the right steps when shortness of breath occurs with the Breathment app.
What does Shortness of Breath Feel like and How Can It Be Controllable?
Symptoms:
- Feeling of not getting enough air or needing to make more effort to breathe
- Air hunger
- Breathing discomfort
- Difficult to speak
All of these symptoms can be managed with appropriate approach:
- Understanding when it happens and monitoring how intense the breathlessness feels
- Focus and slow down your breathing
- Find a comfortable position
- Use a breathing technique you have been taught
Understanding the underlying condition can also help you recognise and manage symptoms, as explained in our article
What Is Asthma? Causes, Symptoms & How to Take ControlCases You Seek Medical Help
If your shortness of breath becomes difficult to manage or changes significantly from what you usually experience, it is important to seek medical advice. For people with asthma or COPD, changes in breathing symptoms may sometimes indicate that the condition is not adequately controlled or that an exacerbation may be developing.
Medical assessment can help determine whether your symptoms are related to changes in your respiratory condition and whether your current management needs to be adjusted. Keeping track of changes in your breathing symptoms over time can also provide useful information during an appointment and help your healthcare professional understand how your condition is affecting you.
You should also seek medical attention when breathlessness is severe, sudden, or significantly different from your usual symptoms. Prompt assessment is particularly important when symptoms continue or worsen despite your usual management, as this may require further evaluation and treatment.
Despoina Chrisoulaki
