Pulmonologist Questions Pulmonologist

Having a hard time breathing?

Recently, I am having a hard time breathing. I am not asthmatic, but coughing, running nose all of a sudden. Not sure what's going on or causing this?

Female | 51 years old

1 Answer

Possibilities include the following:

1) Asthma/Bronchospasm--maybe set off by allergies/viruses/irritants/smoking/etc. (wheezing would be a clue)

2) Bronchitis--set off by viruses or bacteria (especially if you are a smoker)

3) Heart failure--maybe due to coronary dz, high BP, valvular abn, cardiomyopathy (heart muscle dz), or dysrhythmias like atrial fibrillation, etc.

4) Pneumonia--usually due to viruses (like COVID) or bacteria

5) Pulmonary Embolism (blood clot to the lung, usually from clot in the legs)

You must see a good diagnostician right away (like a very good Internist, cardiologist, or lung specialist), but if you are very symptomatic and you can't get into one of the above very soon, then go to the local ER for evaluation and treatment. Untreated, many of the above possibilities can be LIFE THREATENING!
Good luck.