Respiratory

Shortness of Breath — When to Seek Urgent Help

Red flags for breathlessness that warrant medical review, and when to seek emergency care.

Updated: 3 min read

Intro

Shortness of breath (dyspnoea) can occur with exercise, heat, or anxiety — but when it happens unexpectedly, worsens, or doesn’t resolve with rest, it may signal a serious underlying problem. Some causes require immediate emergency care.

Key Points

  • Breathlessness that is sudden, severe, or unexplained is always a red flag.
  • Associated chest pain, fainting, or blue lips = call emergency services immediately.
  • Gradual worsening may point to chronic heart or lung disease.
  • Breathlessness interfering with daily life should always be checked.

5 Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

  1. Sudden onset without clear cause — May point to heart attack, blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism), or severe asthma.
  2. Worsening over days or weeks — Could signal asthma, COPD, heart failure, or anaemia.
  3. Associated chest pain or tightness — Pain, heaviness, or pressure in the chest plus breathlessness = urgent evaluation.
  4. Blue lips or fingertips — Suggests low oxygen in the blood — a medical emergency.
  5. Interference with daily activities — Difficulty climbing stairs, walking short distances, or speaking in full sentences is not normal.

Possible Causes

  • Heart-related: heart attack, heart failure, arrhythmia.
  • Lung-related: asthma, pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, COPD.
  • Blood-related: anaemia, low oxygen levels.
  • Other: anxiety, panic attacks, high altitude.

What to Do

  • Call emergency services if shortness of breath is sudden, severe, or associated with chest pain, dizziness, or fainting.
  • For gradual or chronic symptoms, book a medical review promptly.
  • Never ignore breathlessness that limits daily activities.

FAQ

Q: When is shortness of breath an emergency?
A: If it comes on suddenly, is severe, or is accompanied by chest pain, fainting, or blue lips — call emergency services.

Q: Can anxiety cause breathlessness?
A: Yes. Panic attacks can cause shortness of breath, but it should never be assumed to be the cause until serious problems are ruled out.

Q: What tests might a doctor order?
A: ECG, chest X-ray, blood tests, lung function testing, or CT scan depending on the suspected cause.

Further Reading

References

Parshall, M.B., et al. (2012). An official American Thoracic Society statement: Update on the mechanisms, assessment, and management of dyspnea. Am J Respir Crit Care Med, 185(4), 435–452.

⚠️ Educational only; not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always call emergency services immediately for sudden or severe shortness of breath.