NYC Shortness of Breath / Difficulty Breathing (Dyspnea) Treatment

shortness of breath

Why Choose MXBowen for Your Shortness of Breath Treatments

No matter the cause of your shortness of breath, a consultation at MXBowen, Physician, P.C., Health & Breathing Center is the first step to diagnosing your condition. We know just how distressing and unsettling this sensation can feel. That is why our practice is committed to personalized care and providing the full range of in-office diagnostic tests so that our pulmonologist Dr. Bowen can evaluate your symptoms, get to the bottom of your condition, and determine the appropriate shortness of breath treatment.

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Bowen or call 212.480.4062 for an evaluation.

What Our Patients Have to Say

“Dr. Bowen is a great physician. He has been treating my asthma for the past 2 years. Once I found out I was expecting, Dr. Bowen advised the best plan to manage my asthma. He’s a very thorough doctor. Definitely worth the wait time. Highly recommend seeing this doctor to get your asthma under control!” -Nessa H.

What Is Dyspnea?

Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing, also known as dyspnea, is a worrisome sensation. It can be accompanied by the feeling that normal breathing is difficult or that breathing may require more effort than usual. In other cases, the amount of air you are able to breathe in may feel inadequate.

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Shortness of breath can occur suddenly, while walking, when talking, after exercise, at rest, and more. Dyspnea can also be accompanied by anxiety, fatigue, and chest pain. There’s a wide range of possible causes that can contribute to shortness of breath. The sensation may occur one-time, may sporadically come and go, or it may be constant.

What Causes Shortness Of Breath?

Shortness of breath or dyspnea may result from a long list of possible causes – from issues involving the respiratory system, the heart, the esophagus, the sinuses, or even emotional and psychological factors, among other things. In many cases, disorders of the cardiac or respiratory systems are at the root of the problem.

Potential causes of dyspnea may include:

  • Asthma – Reversible airway obstruction associated with wheezing
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) – Including chronic or asthmatic bronchitis, and other smoking-related diseases
  • Emphysema – Irreversible airway obstruction
  • Pulmonary fibrosis – Scarring of lungs
  • Pulmonary hypertension – Vascular/circulatory diseases of the lungs
  • Pulmonary embolism – Blood clots in the lungs
  • Pulmonary edema – Excess water in the lungs
  • Pulmonary infections – Including acute bronchitis and pneumonia, leading to mucous obstruction and poor oxygenation
  • Pneumothorax – Lung collapse
  • Pleural effusion – Water around the lungs
  • Upper airway obstruction – Associated with infections or tumors of the respiratory tract
  • Lung cancer – Primary malignancy or metastatic disease from other cancers spreading to the lungs
  • Chronic lung infections – Including tuberculosis and fungal infections
  • Cardiovascular diseases – Including heart failure and coronary artery disease
  • Obstructive sleep apnea – Along with other sleep disturbance syndromes
  • Rheumatologic and other metabolic disorders – Inflammatory interstitial lung diseases
  • Neuromuscular disorders – Including diaphragmatic paralysis, respiratory muscle weakness and skeletal deformities of the chest

Symptoms That May Coincide With Shortness Of Breath?

Along with shortness of breath, it’s also possible that you may experience other related symptoms, such as:

  • Chronic cough
  • Frequent respiratory infections
  • Wheezing
  • Chest tightness or pain
  • Fatigue
  • Anxiety
  • Heart palpitations (fast heart rate)
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
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Is Shortness of Breath a Common Condition?

Millions of people experience shortness of breath each year. This symptom can be caused by so many different factors that nearly every person may become short of breath from time to time. If you routinely feel short of breath or like it isn't easy to breathe, your doctor may want to explore why. You may need ongoing care of some sort to manage your respiration so you can enjoy your life to the fullest.

Is Shortness of Breath a Sign of Something Serious?

There is a possibility that shortness of breath could signal a more concerning underlying condition. For example, people with heart or lung conditions often state shortness of breath or difficulty breathing as an everyday part of life. Heart and lung function are intertwined. Where there is a problem with one, there is usually some degree of concern with the other. Breathing can also be affected by something as serious as lung cancer or something as manageable as asthma. Your care team can work together to determine the most accurate reason for your breathing symptoms and move from there to a plan of action that can promote your best quality of life.

What Are Some Treatment Options for Shortness of Breath?

The treatment for dyspnea revolves around its underlying cause. If shortness of breath is caused by asthma, a doctor may prescribe medication to open the airways. If an infection is the cause of breathing difficulties, antibiotics or other medication may be prescribed. Some people benefit from respiratory therapy and breathing exercises. Some need medical intervention to resolve the cause of dyspnea. Dr. Bowen provides the level of care that is needed to fully understand the symptoms that are presenting so you can find your way through them.

How Soon Should I See a Specialist if I Have Shortness of Breath?

You should arrange a consultation with a pulmonary specialist or your primary care physician if you're experiencing shortness of breath that is out of the ordinary for you. There is no benefit to waiting to see if symptoms improve on their own. If you have other symptoms alongside shortness of breath, such as chest pain and nausea, obtain prompt medical care, visiting the nearest emergency room if necessary. If you've seen your primary care doctor regarding your breathing changes and have not gotten definitive answers or solutions, contact a specialist for an expanded evaluation. Doing so may uncover an underlying condition that was not detected in previous tests or exams.

Schedule A Consultation with Dr. Bowen Today!

There are many things that can contribute to difficulty breathing and it’s critical that you seek an evaluation from an experienced pulmonologist and breathing specialist to get to the bottom of your particular symptoms. Whether your shortness of breath just came on suddenly or it has been an ongoing problem, contact our office at 212.480.4062 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Bowen as soon as possible. Or, you can fill out the form in our contact page to book your personalized appointment. We can provide effective and long-term shortness of breath treatment.

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