What causes the feeling of being unable to catch one's breath when coughing?

May 15, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I've been having a hard time catching my breath when coughing recently, feeling short of breath, as if my throat is blocked, which is particularly uncomfortable. What could be causing this? How should I address it?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Lu Cheng

You may feel short of breath while coughing, which could be caused by various factors. First, this symptom might be related to respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis, etc., which can cause airway narrowing or inflammation, affecting smooth breathing.

Secondly, conditions like bronchial asthma and variant asthma can also lead to such symptoms, as these diseases cause bronchial spasms that affect ventilation. Furthermore, chronic respiratory diseases such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema, COPD, and cardiovascular diseases such as heart failure can also manifest as coughing and shortness of breath.

In addition, heart diseases such as heart failure may also cause difficulty breathing, especially after physical activity or at night. Other possible causes include lung infections, pulmonary embolism, and emphysema.

If you experience any discomfort, it is recommended to visit a hospital promptly and follow the doctor's instructions for treatment. Normally, you should maintain a light diet, avoid spicy and irritating foods such as garlic, spicy hot pot, and mustard; also ensure adequate rest and avoid excessive fatigue to prevent adverse effects on your health.