Dr Stephen Gaduzo
If you
get out
of breath doing
things you used
to be able to do,
tell your doctor.
Let’s be
clear...
Dr Stephen Gaduzo
…about breathlessness
Everybody will experience breathlessness every now and again, for example after
physical exertion or heavy exercise that you are not used to. This is healthy and normal.
However, sometimes being short of breath could be a sign of something serious.
If you are feeling out of breath when doing day to day activities that you used to be able
to do, then it could be a symptom of an illness such as chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD), lung cancer or heart disease. It could also indicate other health
problems such as asthma, anaemia or anxiety. Diagnosing these conditions early makes
them more treatable. Breathlessness could also be as a result of being overweight
or physically inactive and, by tackling these, you can avoid other diseases such as
diabetes developing.
…about COPD
COPD stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It is the name used to
describe a number of conditions, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, where
people have difficulty breathing primarily due to a narrowing of their airways.
COPD is one of the most common respiratory diseases in the UK. It usually affects
people over the age of 35, although most people are not diagnosed until they are in
their fifties.
The main cause of COPD is smoking. Some cases of COPD are caused by fumes,
dust, air pollution and genetic disorders, but these are rarer. Across England there are
over a million people who are currently living with the disease diagnosed, however it is
estimated that many more people have COPD which is currently undiagnosed. This is
because many people who develop symptoms often dismiss it as a ‘smoker’s cough’.
It is important that COPD is diagnosed as early as possible to make it more treatable.
…about lung cancer
Breathlessness is a major symptom of lung cancer, one of the most common cancers.
A persistent cough and chest infections are also symptoms of lung cancer. There are
some 35,900 new cases in England every year. It kills more men and women than any
other form of cancer.
Lung cancer affects people of all ages but is most common in those who are over 50.
Although it is more common in smokers, around one in eight people with lung cancer
have never smoked.
The risk of lung cancer gets worse as you get older, but finding it early improves the
chances of successful treatment.
…about heart disease
While most people know that chest pain can mean the presence of heart disease, it
is less well known that breathlessness can also be a symptom of it. Breathlessness
occurs when your heart is having trouble pumping enough blood around your body.
This is usually because there has already been some damage to the heart muscle, but
sometimes this is just a warning, and medical help can prevent damage to the heart.
Even where there is damage, there are now many treatments that can reduce or get rid
of the breathlessness.
Heart disease is common in the UK, especially in smokers. The earlier people get help,
the more effective treatment is.
…about anxiety
Anxiety can cause breathlessness on its own but can also occur alongside other causes.
Rapid or deep breathing (often called hyperventilation), is just one possible symptom
of anxiety which may result in feelings of breathlessness. Although it can significantly
affect people’s daily lives, there is a range of treatments available, including addressing
the causes of anxiety, psychological therapies, breathing re-training and medication.
…about how to spot
breathlessness symptoms
Breathlessness may involve:
• Difficult breathing
• Uncomfortable breathing
• Feeling like you are not getting enough air
• More rapid breathing
You need to see your doctor straight away if:
• You have been experiencing breathlessness while doing everyday activities such as
light housework, walking short distances on relatively flat ground (e.g. to your local
shop), gardening or climbing a short flights of stairs
• You find yourself stopping and looking in shop windows, or stopping to tie your shoe
laces unnecessarily, rather than admit you are feeling breathless
…about how
seeing your doctor early
could save and improve your life
I was working on a building site and was starting to feel more
and more out of breath as I went about my work. I was carrying
less and less material around and found it hard to get anything
done without pausing for breath. I didn’t realise how bad it was
and tried to hide it, but my family and workmates began to
notice and persuaded me to visit my doctor. I was diagnosed
with COPD and now I am receiving treatment for it, things are
so much more manageable.
I can finally walk reasonable distances again without pausing
for breath!
Alan Cooley, aged 65
…about your
visit to your doctor
You can find your doctor’s contact details at nhs.uk/findgp
Your doctor will ask you a few questions, like the ones below, and may suggest some
tests such as chest x-ray, blood tests and lung function tests. These are standard
procedures and nothing to worry about.
Your doctor might ask you some of these questions:
• How long have you been experiencing breathlessness and how quickly did it
come on?
• What triggers the breathlessness and what relieves it – if anything does?
• Could you describe how the breathlessness affects you over the course of the day?
• Does it come on or get worse when you lie flat?
• Tell me about any stress or worries you might have at the moment?
• Do you smoke?
• What do you do for a job?
• Is your breathlessness related to certain times at work?
• Does anything bring it on? For example, pollen, pets or medication?
• Do you have a history of heart, lung or thyroid disease or anaemia?
• Do you take any medication?
Unclear about anything?
Visit nhs.uk/outofbreath
This leaflet can also be made available on request in alternative formats.
Email enquiries@phe.gov.uk
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2903093 2p 250k Jan15 (HHG)