Fritz: From a pulmonary standpoint, it can be caused by disorders that affect the air passages, like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Q: For shortness of breath that doesn’t come on suddenly, what are some of the underlying problems that cause it?ĭr. Sudden onset of shortness of breath may indicate something quite serious requiring immediate medical attention, such as a heart attack, a blood clot in the lungs or a problem with the aorta. There is a whole spectrum of things that can cause people to be short of breath, but it frequently stems from a problem that’s pulmonary (related to the lungs) or cardiovascular (related to the heart). Fritz: Shortness of breath is a symptom of an underlying problem or problems, not a disease of its own. It’s not uncommon for people to say that even climbing one flight of stairs or simply walking one block causes difficulty breathing.ĭr. If it’s significant, it can impact day-to-day functioning and quality of life. Fritz: It spans a wide spectrum, depending on the severity of the shortness of breath. Q: What condition are patients in when they first come to you?ĭr. Fritz shares several insights to help you breathe a little easier. If you have concerns about shortness of breath and aren’t quite sure where to start, Dr. Jason Fritz, pulmonologist at Penn Medicine, often sees patients who are living with shortness of breath. If you’re finding yourself feeling short of breath all the time, your body might be giving you a warning sign that something needs a physician’s attention.ĭr. But what if even basic tasks like walking a block or climbing a flight of stairs leaves you huffing and puffing? Usually, when something takes your breath away, it’s a good thing.