14 Shortness of Breath Causes You Need to be Aware of

2. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

This progressive lung disease, also known as COPD, makes it challenging to get air in and out of the lungs. The symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease progress over time, with cigarette smoking identified as the primary cause of COPD. There are 2 principal diagnoses for COPD; chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Since most individuals diagnosed have symptoms of both conditions, the general term COPD applies instead.

Flare-ups in COPD can be frequent or occasional, with symptoms including tightness of the chest, a deep throaty cough that brings up a lot of mucus, as well as wheezing and shortness of breath. If left undiagnosed, symptoms can include weight loss, fatigue, and lowered feeling of well-being.

COPD is diagnosed using lung function tests, arterial blood gas analysis, and chest X-ray. There is no cure for COPD, but smoking cessation reduces the symptoms. In some cases, the condition may require lung surgery to remove affected tissue.