shortness of breath

Shortness of breath, also known as dyspnea, is a medical term for difficulty breathing. This sensation can arise from various conditions affecting the respiratory or circulatory systems.123

One common cause is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a progressive respiratory illness characterized by emphysema and bronchitis, often linked to smoking or air pollution. Another cause is pulmonary embolism, where a blood clot blocks an artery in the lungs, potentially leading to shortness of breath, especially after surgery when circulation may be sluggish.43

Heart conditions, such as left ventricular failure due to coronary artery disease, can cause fluid buildup in the lungs (pulmonary edema), resulting in breathlessness. Additionally, conditions like primary pulmonary hypertension, which involves increased pressure in the lung's arteries, can lead to severe shortness of breath and heart failure.3