Dyspnea, or shortness of breath, may indicate that your body is hungry for air. It tells you that something is not working right. There are many possible causes for dyspnea, including:
- Obstruction of the air passages of the nose, mouth, throat from allergies, congestion, foreign objects, etc.
- Strenuous exercise (especially when you don't exercise regularly)
- Obesity
- Acute pneumonia
- Severe bronchospasm or asthma
- Heart disease, coronary disease, and other heart conditions such as valvular disease
- Chronic lung diseases
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Chest injuries
- Emotional distress, anxiety
- High altitude exposure
- Extreme weather conditions (such as cold)
