Why do I get out of breath when going upstairs?

There are several reasons for becoming breathless when climbing to the second floor, which may be due to physiological factors or pathological conditions such as malnutrition or heart failure.

I. Physiological Factors

Being significantly overweight or lacking regular physical exercise can lead to shortness of breath while climbing stairs. As people age, cardiopulmonary function declines, respiratory muscle strength weakens, and overall physical fitness diminishes, all of which contribute to breathlessness after climbing just two flights of stairs. This is closely related to reduced heart and lung function, weakened respiratory muscles, and decreased physical endurance.

II. Pathological Factors

1. Malnutrition

Breathlessness when climbing stairs may primarily stem from malnutrition, anemia, and insufficient physical activity. It is recommended to maintain a balanced diet and consume more vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins.

2. Heart Failure

Heart failure affects the heart's ability to pump blood effectively. When climbing stairs, the increased demand places extra strain on the heart, leading to palpitations and shortness of breath. Under medical supervision, medications such as indapamide tablets or torasemide tablets may be prescribed for treatment.

In addition, congenital or acquired chest wall abnormalities may also cause breathlessness upon climbing to the second floor. Individuals experiencing such symptoms should seek medical evaluation at a hospital. Further assessment—based on the patient’s age, gender, chest X-rays, and other diagnostic tools—is recommended to determine the underlying cause of breathlessness during stair climbing.