Why does standing for a long time cause difficulty breathing?

In general, experiencing shortness of breath after prolonged standing may be caused by conditions such as anemia, bronchial asthma, or pericarditis, which require targeted treatment. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Anemia

Clinically, anemia may be related to deficiencies in iron, folic acid, or other substances. In patients with anemia, reduced hemoglobin levels lead to decreased oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells, resulting in inadequate oxygen supply to tissues and organs, thereby causing shortness of breath after prolonged standing. Treatment may include taking medications such as folic acid tablets or vitamin B12 supplements under medical guidance.

2. Bronchial Asthma

Bronchial asthma may develop due to environmental and genetic factors. It is a chronic condition in which the airways remain in a state of heightened reactivity. During episodes, patients may experience symptoms such as shortness of breath and chest tightness, leading to difficulty breathing after prolonged standing. Treatment may involve using medications such as terbutaline aerosol or salbutamol inhaler under medical supervision.

3. Pericarditis

Pericarditis refers to acute inflammatory disease of the pericardium, possibly caused by low immune function. Pericarditis can lead to cardiac dysfunction and subsequently heart failure, impairing normal blood circulation and resulting in shortness of breath after prolonged standing. Patients should seek hospital care under medical guidance, where treatments such as fluid drainage may be performed.

In addition to the above, conditions such as pleurisy, tuberculosis, myocarditis, and others may also cause shortness of breath after prolonged standing. It is recommended that patients promptly visit a hospital to identify the underlying cause and receive appropriate, targeted treatment.