What causes the constant feeling of being short of breath?

There are various reasons for feeling short of breath, which may be caused by physiological factors or pathological conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart failure, and others. A detailed analysis is as follows:

I. Physiological Causes

For example, being in a closed environment or at high altitudes can reduce the oxygen content in the air, potentially placing the body in a state of hypoxia. This may lead to rapid breathing and difficulty breathing.

II. Pathological Causes

1. Asthma

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by narrowed airways, leading to breathing difficulties and wheezing. Common triggers include allergens, cold air, physical exertion, or infections.

Treatment may include inhaled albuterol aerosol or terbutaline aerosol as prescribed by a doctor. Oral medications such as aminophylline tablets or montelukast tablets may also be used.

2. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

This is a chronic lung disease primarily caused by smoking, resulting in airway obstruction and lung tissue damage. Immediate smoking cessation is essential. Treatment should be conducted under medical guidance using ipratropium bromide aerosol, tiotropium inhalation powder, aminophylline, salbutamol aerosol, and other medications.

3. Heart Failure

Heart failure impairs the heart's ability to pump blood effectively, leading to fluid accumulation and pulmonary congestion, which causes shortness of breath. Medications such as hydrochlorothiazide tablets or bisoprolol capsules may be taken under a doctor’s advice.

In addition, similar symptoms may also result from cor pulmonale, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, acute pulmonary edema, hypertensive heart disease, or coronary atherosclerotic heart disease. Patients are advised to seek prompt medical evaluation when symptoms are severe, to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment accordingly.