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Shortness of Breath
General Information
It’s normal to feel out of breath during exercise or after physically exerting your body. If you have shortness of breath while your body is at rest, you may have dyspnea. It’s common to have other symptoms while having shortness of breath, including chest pain, chest tightness and a racing pulse. These symptoms signal a medical emergency. Always call 911 if you have trouble breathing.
Goshen Hospital Emergency Department offers 24/7 emergency care to diagnose what’s causing your breathing problems. With cardiac monitors and same-day diagnostic tests, we’re equipped to diagnose and treat your breathing problems. Visit us when you need treatment for a serious illness or condition.
Symptoms associated with dyspnea
Having trouble breathing, including feeling breathless, is the main symptom of dyspnea. You may also experience additional symptoms, such as:
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Confusion
- Passing out or syncope
- Night sweats
- Air hunger
- Sense of suffocation
- Weight loss
Always have these symptoms evaluated by calling 911 or visiting the nearest emergency room.
What causes dyspnea?
Shortness of breath causes range from heart attack to chronic conditions such as asthma. Other causes of dyspnea include:
- Pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs)
- Heart failure
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD)
- Anemia
- Kidney failure
Our approach to treating breathing problems at Goshen Hospital Emergency Department
When a patient comes to our ER with complaints of trouble breathing, we work hard to pinpoint the cause, treat the underlying condition and restore your health. In fact, our emergency team and heart specialists collaborate to provide effective emergency heart and stroke care using the latest technology.
For acute heart care or help managing a chronic condition that causes breathlessness, visit Goshen Health for comprehensive care.