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Shortness of breath: causes, warning signs & what to do
Breathlessness ranges from normal (hard exercise) to a medical emergency. Sudden or severe shortness of breath should always be taken seriously.
Common causes of shortness of breath
- Asthma or COPD
- Chest infection / pneumonia
- Anxiety or panic
- Anaemia
- Heart failure
- A blood clot in the lung (pulmonary embolism)
When to see a doctor urgently
- Sudden severe breathlessness, or blue lips — call your local emergency number now
- Breathlessness with chest pain, or coughing blood
- Breathlessness at rest or that wakes you from sleep
- A swollen, painful calf with breathlessness (possible clot)
Frequently asked questions
When is breathlessness an emergency?
Sudden or severe shortness of breath, blue lips, chest pain, or breathlessness at rest all need emergency care.
Why am I short of breath climbing stairs?
It can be deconditioning, asthma, anaemia or a heart/lung cause. New or worsening breathlessness on mild exertion should be assessed.
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Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.