What is shortness of breath on exertion?
“Shortness of breath on exertion” is a term used to describe difficulty breathing when engaged in a simple activity like walking up a flight of stairs or going to the mailbox.
It’s also known as:
- SOBOE
- breathlessness on exertion
- exertional dyspnea
- dyspnea on effort
- exertional breathlessness
- short of breath with activity
- dyspnea on exertion (DOE)
While each person experiences this symptom differently, it’s usually marked by feeling like you can’t catch your breath.
Normal breathing is relatively slow and occurs without much thought.
When you begin breathing faster and feel that the breath is shallower, that’s what shortness of breath feels like. You may switch from breathing through your nose to your mouth to try to get more air. When this happens without athletic exertion, it’s a concern.
Many people feel short of breath during strenuous activity if they aren’t accustomed to exercise.
But if you have a sudden onset of difficulty breathing doing routine day-to-day activities, it may be a medical emergency.
Shortness of breath on exertion is a sign that your lungs aren’t getting enough oxygen in or not getting enough carbon dioxide out. It can be a warning sign of something serious.
When you have shortness of breath on exertion, you should make an appointment to see your doctor. They will ask about your medical history and conduct an exam.
Tests will help determine the cause of your breathlessness. These tests may include:
- chest X-ray
- chest CT scan
- exercise testing
- pulmonary function studies (spirometry)
- lab tests, including a blood test
Treatment for this condition will depend on the findings of the medical tests. Management will focus on treating the cause of the shortness of breath.
For instance, if it’s caused by asthma, your doctor may recommend you use an inhaler. If it’s a sign of poor physical condition, your doctor will likely suggest a fitness program.
You may simply have to cope with the symptom until the cause is resolved. In pregnancy, for instance, your breathlessness should improve after the baby is born.
A sudden onset of shortness of breath could be a medical emergency. Call 911 immediately if you or someone you know experiences this, especially if it’s accompanied by the following:
- air hunger (the feeling that no matter how deep you breathe, you still aren’t getting enough air)
- gasping for breath
- choking
- chest pain
- confusion
- passing out or fainting
- sweating profusely
- pallor (pale skin)
- cyanosis (bluish-colored skin)
- dizziness
- coughing up blood or bubbly, pinkish mucus
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Acute Causes of Shortness of Breath
- Respiratory
- Asthma
- Acute exacerbation of COPD (infective or non-in
- Lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI)
- Bacterial (i.e. pneumonia); viral; other
- Pulmonary embolism (PE)
- Pneumothorax
- Cardiac
- Pulmonary oedema (from any cause, usually decompensated heart failure)
- Arrhythmia
- Other
- Panic attacks/ Psychosomatic
- Metabolic acidosis
Chronic Causes of Shortness of Breath
- Respiratory
- COPD
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Pleural effusion
- Bronchiectasis
- Cystic fibrosis
- Chronic infection (e.g. TB)
- Cardiac
- Heart failure (chronic)
- Chronic arrhythmia
- Other
- Anaemia
Click here for how to take a history in shortness of breath
Perfect revision for medical student exams, finals, OSCEs and MRCP PACES
Click here to learn more about acute exacerbations of asthma
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