6 Reasons Why Even Thin People Can Get Out Of Breath Easily

Getting out of breath easily can be very debilitating. It can make it difficult to get around, be productive, and live a normal life. Many people who get out of breath easily end up requiring the use of a disabled parking space.

One major cause of shortness of breath is obesity. When the lungs are surrounded by a thick layer of fat, their capacity to function becomes severely hampered, and this can result in breathing problems and a requirement for handicap parking. Another reason that obese people can get out of breath is that they weigh more, and so their lungs (and entire cardiovascular system) need to do more work than those of a lighter person in order to power their movement.

But it is not only overweight people who struggle with breathing. There are many reasons why thin people can suffer the discomfort of getting out of breath easily also. If you are a thin person who tends to get out of breath, it is important that you understand what might be causing this, so it would be wise to contact a telemedicine professional and have a consultation.

Here are six reasons why even thin people can get out of breath easily.   

Smoking

Many smokers are very thin, but still have poor lung capacity and get out of breath very quickly. Often people will smoke instead of eating, as cigarettes can suppress appetite. The stereotype of the supermodel who smokes in order to kill her appetite and remain stick-thin exists for a reason. But the terrible health effects of smoking are well known. They can cause cancer, heart disease, and early death. They can also cause chronic shortness of breath. Even for younger people who only smoke occasionally, the tar that builds up inside their lungs will often cause them to get out of breath easily. For more long-term smokers (including those who are still thin), getting out of breath can be caused by a buildup of tar, as well as conditions such as emphysema or lung cancer. Smoking causes many thin people in the United States to have terrible lung capacity and lead lives of chronic immobility.

Asthma

Asthma is a very common medical condition that affects approximately 8% of the American population. Many asthma sufferers require the use of a handicap parking permit. The symptoms of this uncomfortable disease are chest tightness, coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. These symptoms come in recurring “attacks.” Asthma causes inflammation in the lining of the small airways in the lungs, and constriction of the muscles around the airways. This reduces the flow of air into and out of the lungs. Asthma sufferers get out of breath easily, whether they happen to be obese or thin. Asthma can be effectively treated using steroid inhalers that reduce inflammation, and reliever inhalers which widen the airways.

Dust Mite Allergy

A very common cause of shortness of breath, among people of all shapes and sizes, is a dust mite allergy. Dust mites are minuscule creatures (measuring a mere quarter of a millimeter in length) that live in soft furnishings such as pillows, bedding, soft toys, and carpets. Dust mites feed on the dead skin that humans shed each day. Many people are allergic to both the body parts and droppings of dust mites. Dust mite allergies affect thin people and obese people alike. They can be treated with antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids and decongestants, and leukotriene receptor antagonists. It is also a good idea to make sure you wash your bedding and soft toys regularly at 60 degrees.

Exercise-Induced Laryngeal Obstruction

EILO is a condition that occurs only during exercise, and causes the larynx (voice box) to close up. It is most common in young people in their teens and early twenties. Somebody who suffers from EILO has a regularly functioning larynx when at rest, but during physical activity, it constricts. It can occur in people of any body weight. Treatment for EILO usually involves muscle training exercises and speech therapy, and can also involve surgical and laser treatments.

Hay Fever

Hay fever is a common condition among many people. It is an allergic reaction to airborne pollen and it can cause a sufferer to get severely congested, inflamed, and itchy. Due to the chronic nasal congestion that typically accompanies hay fever, shortness of breath is a very common side effect. Hay fever can be treated with antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids and decongestants, and more anecdotal treatments such as cutting out caffeine, or eating local honey regularly in the run-up to the period of the year that you tend to suffer.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

COPD is a catch-all name for a group of lung diseases that includes emphysema and bronchitis. The main symptoms of COPD are wheezing, a chesty cough, frequent chest infections, and getting out of breath easily. COPD can affect people who are obese or thin and in extreme cases can warrant the use of a disabled parking space. People who are most at risk of developing COPD are smokers, ex-smokers, and people who have been exposed to relatively large amounts of dust and fumes. Treatments for COPD includes breathing exercises, bronchodilator and steroid inhalers, and oxygen therapy.