“Is shortness of breath a medical emergency?”
I have shortness of breath. I don't know what to do. Should I go to ER?
4 Answers
EmergencyPhysicianEmergencyPhysician
Yes
Yes – if you are not having a panic attack, you should be seen immediately.
Yes, if this has not happened before and persisting.
Without other information, and in our era of COVID, any sustained shortness of breath should be evaluated. That can be at a primary care clinic, urgent care or ED. If the shortness of breath is associated with chest pain, evaluation in an emergency department would be the best of those options.
