7 Reasons Why You Might Always Be Out Of Breath
Breathlessness is a common symptom that can be indicative of a common ailment, such as a cold, or something more serious. If you are regularly out of breath, it is important to make as many accommodations to your life as possible. Amending your housing, working conditions and finding out if you qualify for a disabled parking permit may improve your life so that you are not as limited by your breathlessness. There are many conditions that list breathlessness as a symptom, so check with your healthcare professional if you’re unsure as to what is wrong.
1. Obesity
Obesity is one of the biggest health risks facing developed countries at the moment. Having an elevated BMI means that you will be at risk for a range of issues, including breathlessness. Obesity also means that you will face physical barriers due to the larger nature of your body. It can also limit the number of steps that you will be able to take as extra weight places strain on your joints, in particular your knees. Being out of breath because of obesity is due to the fact that excessive strain is being placed on your heart and lungs, so they have to work harder and thus tire easily.
2. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease, or COPD, is a chronic condition that is classified by poor airflow to the lungs. As well as shortness of breath, sufferers will also have a persistent cough that doesn’t go away as well as excessive mucus production from the lungs. People with advanced COPD will often require constant oxygen flow administered via a special tank that they will bring with them wherever they go. This can place certain limitations on mobility, but if certain accommodations are made, patients can enjoy a relatively good quality of life under medical supervision.
3. Asthma
Asthma is a long-term illness that is defined by inflammation of the lungs’ airways. There is no cure and it often presents in patients in childhood. It can vary in severity, but sufferers usually need to take medication via tablets or inhalers. It can also be triggered by allergens such as dust, animal dander or mould. Cardiovascular exercise can also place additional strain on the lungs so patients need to take care when undergoing strenuous activity. Asthma is a very common condition and it is estimated to affect over 300 million people globally.
4. Panic Attacks
Panic attacks can be the symptom of various mental and psychological conditions including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. They can also be brought on by drug or alcohol abuse. When experiencing a panic attacks, sufferers will experience extreme shortness of breath, heart palpitations, sweating and nausea. They will also experience an intense feeling of panic or of being under attack. Panic attacks can be triggered by a certain experience or can come on completely randomly, which is very disorienting for the sufferer. Sufferers may also black out while experiencing a panic attack, which can lead to further physical injury.
5. Interstitial Lung Disease
Interstitial lung disease is an overarching term given to a group of diseases that affect the tissue surrounding the air sacs of the lungs. Diseases in this group include rheumatoid arthritis, asbestosis and sarcoidosis. Interstitial lung disease can also be brought on by exposure to certain prescription drugs, including antibiotics.
6. Bronchiectasis
Bronchiectasis is a lung disease that involves the permanent enlargement of the airways. As well as breathlessness, sufferers will produce excessive mucus and will have a persistent cough that produces blood. It can be a symptom of other diseases, including whooping cough, tuberculosis, AIDS and cystic fibrosis. Sufferers need to undergo frequent physiotherapy to shift mucus and can also be treated by steroids in the form of inhalers.
7. Kidney Disease
Kidney disease, and later kidney failure, can cause medical issues that relate to the lungs. As well as tiredness, water retention, swelling of feet and hands, kidney disease can cause sufferers to be breathless and can later cause fluid to build on the lungs. Due to the general nature of the symptoms, kidney disease can often be misdiagnosed as other, less serious illnesses such as asthma. Kidney disease will eventually need to be treated with dialysis and patients often require transplants. Transplant surgery is a massive strain on the body and requires long periods of recovery as well as a lifelong reliance on anti-rejection medication.
If your condition is chronic, you may be able to get a handicap parking permit. Check with your healthcare professional and they will be able to walk you through your state’s laws and requirements as well as federal laws. It may seem minor, but small adjustments, such as a new parking permit, will help you live the best life possible.