What is Dyspnea?  Dyspnea, or shortness of breath, often occurs to women who are in their later years.  It is the symptom of something very severe, such as cardiopulmonary disease.  Dyspnea also could be the symptom of heart problems, cancer, pneumonia, upper respiratory infection, blockages in the lungs or airways, or other diseases.  Dyspnea is also caused by anemia.  Those that experience dyspnea should seek medical attention immediately.

Dyspnea symptoms are shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, or not having the capability to take a deep breath.  Wheezing is a common symptom of dyspnea.  Convulsive coughing is also a common symptom.

Due to a lack of oxygen, there may be feelings of exhaustion or weakness with dyspnea.  This will vary from person to person and depends heavily on the individual's current health, meaning those who are less fit may experience more weaknesses than those who are fit and active.  Dyspnea may cause colored mucous or there may be coughing without phlegm at all.  This also will vary on the individual's health status.

The family history of heart disease or lung disease should be disclosed upon visiting the doctor.  Smokers are at a higher risk for dyspnea than those that do not smoke.  Providing the doctor with ample amounts of information will help him/her in making a proper diagnosis.

What is the treatment?  There are many options that may occur when treating dyspnea.  Oral immediate release opioids or intravaneous opiods may be suggested.  Morphine, midazolam and morphine, nebulised opiods, or gas mixtures may be used along with cognitive-behavioral therapy.  There is less medical support that this method works to treat shortness of breath.

If a patient is being treated currently for cancer, then oxygen treatments may be prescribed.

Dyspnea is the symptom to something much larger going on within the body.  If it goes untreated, the patient may have a quick decline in health that can lead to death.  It can also lead to other pulmonary conditions or cancer.  By treating something such as cancer directly, the dyspnea may dissipate quicker.

Brief summary:  The condition of dyspnea is characterized immediately by a shortness of breath.  This is often a symptom of an underlying, more serious issue, such as cardiopulmonary disease, cancer, or other diseases that are life threatening.  Most treatment methods are oral immediate-release opiods.  Cancer patients may be treated with oxygen.