![Shortness of breath: anxiety, or something more sinister?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_66d83578aca65.jpg)
![Shortness of breath: anxiety, or something more sinister?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6687bd5922c2e.jpg)
![Shortness of breath: anxiety, or something more sinister?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6687ba9029e86.jpg)
![Shortness of breath: anxiety, or something more sinister?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6687ba8fe5d54.jpg)
![Shortness of breath: anxiety, or something more sinister?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6687ba85adcb0.jpg)
![Shortness of breath: anxiety, or something more sinister?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6687bd575019b.jpg)
![Shortness of breath: anxiety, or something more sinister?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6687c10444c90.jpg)
![Shortness of breath: anxiety, or something more sinister?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6687c10522e9d.jpg)
![Shortness of breath: anxiety, or something more sinister?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6687ba95b3608.jpg)
![Shortness of breath: anxiety, or something more sinister?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6687c10576937.jpg)
![Shortness of breath: anxiety, or something more sinister?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6687ba8e7bcc1.jpg)
![Shortness of breath: anxiety, or something more sinister?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6687f0386dbae.jpg)
![Shortness of breath: anxiety, or something more sinister?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6687c8b21363b.jpg)
![Shortness of breath: anxiety, or something more sinister?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6687cb5c133c7.jpg)
![Shortness of breath: anxiety, or something more sinister?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6687dceba570d.jpg)
![Shortness of breath: anxiety, or something more sinister?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6687e4a35e0b5.jpg)
![Shortness of breath: anxiety, or something more sinister?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6687ba8d52459.jpg)
![Shortness of breath: anxiety, or something more sinister?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6687ba8b57047.jpg)
![Shortness of breath: anxiety, or something more sinister?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6687c8aaeb111.jpg)
![Shortness of breath: anxiety, or something more sinister?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6687c8adc4a43.jpg)
![Shortness of breath: anxiety, or something more sinister?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6687ba8a4244a.jpg)
![Shortness of breath: anxiety, or something more sinister?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6687c8abb0ce9.jpg)
![Shortness of breath: anxiety, or something more sinister?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6687dedf97401.jpg)
![Shortness of breath: anxiety, or something more sinister?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6687e6045a532.jpg)
![Shortness of breath: anxiety, or something more sinister?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6687e8c964781.jpg)
![Shortness of breath: anxiety, or something more sinister?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6687e98555849.jpg)
![Shortness of breath: anxiety, or something more sinister?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6687e9c56291f.jpg)
![Shortness of breath: anxiety, or something more sinister?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6687eaeb46f75.jpg)
![Shortness of breath: anxiety, or something more sinister?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6687e9fe86672.jpg)
![Shortness of breath: anxiety, or something more sinister?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6687ea52f017b.jpg)
![Shortness of breath: anxiety, or something more sinister?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6687ea9dd6d0a.jpg)
See Also
See Again
© Shutterstock
0 / 31 Fotos
Anxiety attack
- If your mind is suddenly flooded with racing, anxiety-inducing thoughts, you might notice it's harder to catch a breath properly.
© Shutterstock
1 / 31 Fotos
Anxiety attack
- Difficulty catching a breath is one of the first signs of an anxiety or panic attack, and it can strike anywhere at any time. But could this "attack" be a symptom of something else?
© Shutterstock
2 / 31 Fotos
Breathing pattern
- Breathing is something we take for granted until this very unconscious process becomes a struggle. Not everyone with anxiety will experience shortness of breath, but for those who do, it could also be accompanied by a pain in the chest and a racing heart.
© Shutterstock
3 / 31 Fotos
Fight or flight
- When we experience anxiety, our nervous system goes haywire. The result is an activation of the fight-or-flight mechanism.
© Shutterstock
4 / 31 Fotos
Panic attack
- In particular, panic attacks affect breathing. During one, the sufferer is hit with a tsunami of fear and discomfort out of the blue, which can dissipate just as quickly.
© Shutterstock
5 / 31 Fotos
Panic attack
- Numerous other symptoms develop during a panic attack too, which can make someone feel like they're dying. These include tingling, sweating, dizziness, chest pain, and nausea.
© Shutterstock
6 / 31 Fotos
How to tell if it's anxiety
- You can tell if your shortness of breath is a symptom of an anxiety attack if the tightness lessens as your emotions begin to go back to baseline.
© Shutterstock
7 / 31 Fotos
How to tell if it's anxiety
- Using stress relief methods will have a positive effect on the symptoms of anxiety or panic attacks, such as deep breathing.
© Shutterstock
8 / 31 Fotos
How to tell if it's something else
- On the other hand, if the symptoms continue to get worse, even after practicing these techniques, and you start to experience fatigue, pain in the chest, or an irregular heartbeat, it could be a heart-related health issue.
© Shutterstock
9 / 31 Fotos
Other health conditions
- If it's not anxiety or panic attacks, several other health conditions could be the root cause of your frightening shortness of breath.
© Shutterstock
10 / 31 Fotos
Pulmonary embolism
- One of the most serious potential causes of sudden shortness of breath is pulmonary embolism. This life-threatening condition causes chest pain that gets more severe when you cough.
© Shutterstock
11 / 31 Fotos
Heart conditions
- Several different cardiac health issues can also present with difficulty catching the breath, such as heart attack, inflammation, failure, or abnormal rhythm.
© Shutterstock
12 / 31 Fotos
Heart conditions
- If you also have discomfort in the chest, are breaking out in a cold sweat, experience nausea or lightheadedness, or have pain in other parts of the body (for example, the neck, jaw, stomach, arms, or back), contact emergency services.
© Shutterstock
13 / 31 Fotos
Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Carbon monoxide poisoning is another potential cause of shortness of breath. To ensure your home is protected, install an alarm if you haven't already.
© Shutterstock
14 / 31 Fotos
Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Because it's tasteless and odorless, carbon monoxide poses a real health risk. When inhaled, it replaces oxygen in the cells, which can lead to brain damage and death.
© Shutterstock
15 / 31 Fotos
Anemia
- When there's a shortage of healthy red blood cells to transport oxygen around the body, it's known as a condition called anemia. This is caused by a lack of iron, which can have accompanying symptoms of tiredness and weakness.
© Shutterstock
16 / 31 Fotos
Asthma
- Allergic or non-allergic asthma can cause shortness of breath. It can also cause other symptoms, including coughing, wheezing, and tightness in the chest.
© Shutterstock
17 / 31 Fotos
Sleep apnea
- In some people who struggle with sleep apnea, it's more common to suffer from shortness of breath during their waking hours.
© Shutterstock
18 / 31 Fotos
Broken rib
- If you've been unlucky enough to break a rib, one of the unfortunate side effects is to feel pain in your chest when taking a breath.
© Shutterstock
19 / 31 Fotos
Allergies
- Allergies cause the airways to become inflamed, leading to difficulties like shortness of breath.
© Shutterstock
20 / 31 Fotos
Statins and beta blockers
- Certain drugs used to lower cholesterol, such as statins, as well as certain medications used to treat high blood pressure, like beta blockers, can cause shortness of breath as a side effect.
© Shutterstock
21 / 31 Fotos
Other medications
- Heart medications such as amiodarone, chemotherapy drugs such as methotrexate and bleomycin, and antibiotics such as sulfa and nitrofurantoin can cause shortness of breath.
© Shutterstock
22 / 31 Fotos
When to see a doctor
- When shortness of breath happens frequently, it's time to talk to your doctor. They can assess your anxiety and do further health checks to triage your symptoms.
© Shutterstock
23 / 31 Fotos
Steps to take when you feel short of breath: practice deep breathing
- Slow, deep breaths can help regulate your nervous system when feeling anxious. You can also place one hand on the belly and one on the heart to feel the rise and fall of the breath, providing a sense of calm.
© Shutterstock
24 / 31 Fotos
Say no to anxiety-inducing beverages and food
- Drinks that are highly caffeinated or alcoholic and foods loaded with sugar can make the symptoms of anxiety more pronounced for some people.
© Shutterstock
25 / 31 Fotos
Try yoga
- Yoga is an exercise that brings focus and attention to the breath, which can help to regulate breathing.
© Shutterstock
26 / 31 Fotos
Walking in nature
- Likewise, walking is a low-impact activity that doubles as a form of active meditation, bringing awareness to the environment and breathing without stressing the lungs or heart.
© Shutterstock
27 / 31 Fotos
Use grounding techniques
- Grounding techniques are so-called because they help bring you back down to Earth. Examples include walking barefoot on sand or grass and progressive muscle relaxation (where you tense and release the muscles in your body slowly).
© Shutterstock
28 / 31 Fotos
Consider medication
- Depending on how severe your symptoms of anxiety are, your doctor might recommend you take medication to manage them.
© Shutterstock
29 / 31 Fotos
Talk therapy
- Speaking to someone might help. A therapist can teach you how to handle your anxiety using thought management techniques.
Sources: (Well + Good) (Health) (Mayo Clinic) (Healthline)
See also: You're more likely to die early if you have these habits
© Shutterstock
30 / 31 Fotos
© Shutterstock
0 / 31 Fotos
Anxiety attack
- If your mind is suddenly flooded with racing, anxiety-inducing thoughts, you might notice it's harder to catch a breath properly.
© Shutterstock
1 / 31 Fotos
Anxiety attack
- Difficulty catching a breath is one of the first signs of an anxiety or panic attack, and it can strike anywhere at any time. But could this "attack" be a symptom of something else?
© Shutterstock
2 / 31 Fotos
Breathing pattern
- Breathing is something we take for granted until this very unconscious process becomes a struggle. Not everyone with anxiety will experience shortness of breath, but for those who do, it could also be accompanied by a pain in the chest and a racing heart.
© Shutterstock
3 / 31 Fotos
Fight or flight
- When we experience anxiety, our nervous system goes haywire. The result is an activation of the fight-or-flight mechanism.
© Shutterstock
4 / 31 Fotos
Panic attack
- In particular, panic attacks affect breathing. During one, the sufferer is hit with a tsunami of fear and discomfort out of the blue, which can dissipate just as quickly.
© Shutterstock
5 / 31 Fotos
Panic attack
- Numerous other symptoms develop during a panic attack too, which can make someone feel like they're dying. These include tingling, sweating, dizziness, chest pain, and nausea.
© Shutterstock
6 / 31 Fotos
How to tell if it's anxiety
- You can tell if your shortness of breath is a symptom of an anxiety attack if the tightness lessens as your emotions begin to go back to baseline.
© Shutterstock
7 / 31 Fotos
How to tell if it's anxiety
- Using stress relief methods will have a positive effect on the symptoms of anxiety or panic attacks, such as deep breathing.
© Shutterstock
8 / 31 Fotos
How to tell if it's something else
- On the other hand, if the symptoms continue to get worse, even after practicing these techniques, and you start to experience fatigue, pain in the chest, or an irregular heartbeat, it could be a heart-related health issue.
© Shutterstock
9 / 31 Fotos
Other health conditions
- If it's not anxiety or panic attacks, several other health conditions could be the root cause of your frightening shortness of breath.
© Shutterstock
10 / 31 Fotos
Pulmonary embolism
- One of the most serious potential causes of sudden shortness of breath is pulmonary embolism. This life-threatening condition causes chest pain that gets more severe when you cough.
© Shutterstock
11 / 31 Fotos
Heart conditions
- Several different cardiac health issues can also present with difficulty catching the breath, such as heart attack, inflammation, failure, or abnormal rhythm.
© Shutterstock
12 / 31 Fotos
Heart conditions
- If you also have discomfort in the chest, are breaking out in a cold sweat, experience nausea or lightheadedness, or have pain in other parts of the body (for example, the neck, jaw, stomach, arms, or back), contact emergency services.
© Shutterstock
13 / 31 Fotos
Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Carbon monoxide poisoning is another potential cause of shortness of breath. To ensure your home is protected, install an alarm if you haven't already.
© Shutterstock
14 / 31 Fotos
Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Because it's tasteless and odorless, carbon monoxide poses a real health risk. When inhaled, it replaces oxygen in the cells, which can lead to brain damage and death.
© Shutterstock
15 / 31 Fotos
Anemia
- When there's a shortage of healthy red blood cells to transport oxygen around the body, it's known as a condition called anemia. This is caused by a lack of iron, which can have accompanying symptoms of tiredness and weakness.
© Shutterstock
16 / 31 Fotos
Asthma
- Allergic or non-allergic asthma can cause shortness of breath. It can also cause other symptoms, including coughing, wheezing, and tightness in the chest.
© Shutterstock
17 / 31 Fotos
Sleep apnea
- In some people who struggle with sleep apnea, it's more common to suffer from shortness of breath during their waking hours.
© Shutterstock
18 / 31 Fotos
Broken rib
- If you've been unlucky enough to break a rib, one of the unfortunate side effects is to feel pain in your chest when taking a breath.
© Shutterstock
19 / 31 Fotos
Allergies
- Allergies cause the airways to become inflamed, leading to difficulties like shortness of breath.
© Shutterstock
20 / 31 Fotos
Statins and beta blockers
- Certain drugs used to lower cholesterol, such as statins, as well as certain medications used to treat high blood pressure, like beta blockers, can cause shortness of breath as a side effect.
© Shutterstock
21 / 31 Fotos
Other medications
- Heart medications such as amiodarone, chemotherapy drugs such as methotrexate and bleomycin, and antibiotics such as sulfa and nitrofurantoin can cause shortness of breath.
© Shutterstock
22 / 31 Fotos
When to see a doctor
- When shortness of breath happens frequently, it's time to talk to your doctor. They can assess your anxiety and do further health checks to triage your symptoms.
© Shutterstock
23 / 31 Fotos
Steps to take when you feel short of breath: practice deep breathing
- Slow, deep breaths can help regulate your nervous system when feeling anxious. You can also place one hand on the belly and one on the heart to feel the rise and fall of the breath, providing a sense of calm.
© Shutterstock
24 / 31 Fotos
Say no to anxiety-inducing beverages and food
- Drinks that are highly caffeinated or alcoholic and foods loaded with sugar can make the symptoms of anxiety more pronounced for some people.
© Shutterstock
25 / 31 Fotos
Try yoga
- Yoga is an exercise that brings focus and attention to the breath, which can help to regulate breathing.
© Shutterstock
26 / 31 Fotos
Walking in nature
- Likewise, walking is a low-impact activity that doubles as a form of active meditation, bringing awareness to the environment and breathing without stressing the lungs or heart.
© Shutterstock
27 / 31 Fotos
Use grounding techniques
- Grounding techniques are so-called because they help bring you back down to Earth. Examples include walking barefoot on sand or grass and progressive muscle relaxation (where you tense and release the muscles in your body slowly).
© Shutterstock
28 / 31 Fotos
Consider medication
- Depending on how severe your symptoms of anxiety are, your doctor might recommend you take medication to manage them.
© Shutterstock
29 / 31 Fotos
Talk therapy
- Speaking to someone might help. A therapist can teach you how to handle your anxiety using thought management techniques.
Sources: (Well + Good) (Health) (Mayo Clinic) (Healthline)
See also: You're more likely to die early if you have these habits
© Shutterstock
30 / 31 Fotos
Shortness of breath: anxiety, or something more sinister?
When you can't catch a breath, should you be worried?
© Shutterstock
Breathing: it's what we do to survive without conscious thought being involved. Until, for some reason, we can't quite catch our breath. If shortness of breath is something you've never experienced before, it can be extremely frightening. Because the heart and lungs work together to keep our breathing and circulation regular, it can be a sign of real problems when breathing becomes labored. You might assume it's your anxiety acting up, but could something else be causing it?
Click on to discover if your shortness of breath is caused by anxiety or something more sinister.
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
![30 animals with surprisingly human traits](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66e02526e9f78.jpg)
![Why roller coaster loops aren’t circular](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d87042446f3.jpg)
![What you might not know about Democratic voters](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66e051dc9fbae.jpg)
![What you might not know about Republican voters](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66e050993d6fa.jpg)
![The most (and least) expensive countries in the EU](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66deceb8d4348.jpg)
![A parent's guide to raising emotionally intelligent children](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66e0329ddb080.jpg)
![The secrets to networking for introverts](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66e0283261d2e.jpg)
![Beyond basics: 30 interview questions that can help get you hired](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66e02e5c6d72e.jpg)
![Common medical conditions in cats and dogs](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66e02f87493d3.jpg)
![Is AI the future of the Three Mile Island nuclear facility?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66e02ad7f3c7c.jpg)
![What is dry drowning?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66db11d379a0c.jpg)
![The worst injuries in Olympic history](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66dffce38acf4.jpg)
![Exploring the pros and cons of Montessori education](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66e012c88d195.jpg)
![Who exactly are the Māori?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66dc640de8808.jpg)
![Behind the race to mine the bottom of the ocean](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66dae3dd36418.jpg)
![What was life like in 1920s America?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d869779f9ef.jpg)
![The times America closed its borders to immigrants](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d5945d225f5.jpg)
![Why is flying becoming more dangerous?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66db2965e1d5a.jpg)
![Reasons why you didn't get a second date](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66db25335eca8.jpg)
![US cities where you can buy a house for less than US$100K](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66db243b097db.jpg)
![What’s the difference between a tornado watch and a warning?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d987edce393.jpg)
![The most expensive sports memorabilia sold at auction](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d884a5cd027.jpg)
![The most violent countries for LGBTQ+ people](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d1f0f1cfa96.jpg)
![The sad reality of femicide around the world](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d9c0a37cb69.jpg)
![Disturbing cruise ship facts that will keep you on dry land](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66db188a8e6ff.jpg)
![Report reveals why more Americans don't have children](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66db17e8c89db.jpg)
![Pet owners, are you making these mistakes?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66db150a7193b.jpg)
![The 30 richest countries in the world in 2024](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d9bb08939e2.jpg)
![The risks of staying at a hotel (and the red flags to watch out for)](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66dec11161118.jpg)
![Can you guess the world's most livable city?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66db164c288b3.jpg)
![The highest paying jobs in the world, ranked](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66db13bea5b08.jpg)
![How to tell if someone is lying, based on their zodiac sign](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66db11a848cac.jpg)
![The most polluted rivers in the world](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66dafac8d54b9.jpg)
![Common words and phrases that you're probably getting wrong](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66db1252ca948.jpg)
![The greatest surfers of all time](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66b487aa05a51.jpg)
![What are the risks of spending too much time in space?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d5d43703c39.jpg)
MOST READ
- Last Hour
- Last Day
- Last Week