Common causes of shortness of breath when walking

Many people have difficulty breathing when walking. According to experts, in addition to being sedentary, this can be an early warning sign of serious cardiovascular or respiratory diseases that require medical attention.

Colleen Doherty, an internist in the US, points out common causes of shortness of breath when walking, according to the health website Verywell Health .

Poor physical condition

One of the common causes of shortness of breath is poor physical fitness. People who are sedentary for long periods of time are prone to reduced heart and lung endurance. When performing simple activities such as climbing stairs, the body has to consume more energy, causing breathing to become rapid. Regular exercise can significantly improve this condition.

One of the common causes of shortness of breath is poor physical fitness. People who are sedentary for long periods of time are prone to reduced heart and lung endurance.

Illustration: AI

Obesity

When fat accumulates in the chest and abdomen, the diaphragm is hindered in the process of expansion, reducing lung capacity and making the patient feel short of breath when moving. A body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more is considered the threshold for obesity, increasing the risk of cardiovascular, respiratory and metabolic diseases.

Anxiety disorders

When stressed or frightened, the body releases hormones that cause the heart rate to increase and breathing to become more rapid. People with panic disorder often experience feelings of suffocation, chest tightness, or dizziness, especially in confined spaces or fearful situations.

Asthma

Asthma is a chronic disease characterized by inflammation and constriction of the airways. Patients often experience coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and difficulty breathing, especially when exposed to dust, animal hair, cold weather or strenuous exercise. If not well controlled, asthma attacks can recur frequently.

Heart failure

When the heart muscle cannot pump enough oxygen-rich blood throughout the body, the patient will feel tired and short of breath even with light work. In some cases, shortness of breath occurs when lying down, forcing the person to sit up to breathe easier.

Myocardial infarction

When a blood clot blocks a coronary artery, blood is cut off from part of the heart muscle, causing chest pain or pressure and difficulty breathing. Without prompt medical attention, a heart attack can be life-threatening.

Pneumonia

This is an infection of the lungs, usually caused by bacteria or viruses. In this case, the air sacs in the lungs become inflamed and filled with fluid, causing difficulty breathing, coughing, fever and chills.

Dyspnea can be divided into two main types: acute and chronic. Acute dyspnea appears suddenly, lasting from a few minutes to a few days, often due to causes such as bronchitis, pulmonary embolism, pneumothorax or anaphylaxis.

Meanwhile, chronic dyspnea progresses slowly, lasting one to two months or longer, and is often associated with chronic heart or lung diseases.

Difficulty breathing is a symptom that should not be ignored. Early identification of the cause helps patients receive proper treatment and prevent dangerous complications.

When feeling shorter than normal, tired when exercising or feeling suffocated, the patient should go to a medical facility for examination, because these can be warning signs of serious health problems.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/nguyen-nhan-pho-bien-gay-kho-tho-khi-di-bo-185251103120346334.htm