6 Breathing Problems That Should Not Be Ignored
If you have difficulty breathing, this should not be ignored, because sometimes it can be a sign of a more serious health problem. Here are some symptoms of respiratory problems and the meaning behind them, as reported by Webmd.
1. Cough
A cough with phlegm and feeling thick can mean that you have a cold or flu. But if you also feel shortness of breath, this could be a sign of another condition such as obstructive lung disease (COPD).
People who have COPD are usually inflamed, blocked with mucus, or do not function as they should. Smoking is the biggest cause of this condition, but being a passive smoker, breathing air pollution, or breathing toxic chemicals can also be the root of the problem. Coughing in the morning can be an early sign of COPD. In some severe cases, you can also experience weight loss or swelling at the ankles.
2. Wheezing
Sounds that are like high-pitched whistles as you breathe this means your airway is narrowed. This can be due to asthma, but can also occur due to infection or allergic reactions. Wheezing can also be a signal that you inhale something accidentally and they are trapped in your airway.
3. Shallow and fast breath
If you are stressed or very anxious, breathing can be very fast and shallow compared to when you have no problems. But if this lasts very long, it can cause hyperventilation which makes you feel like you don't get air as it should. If stress or anxiety often affects breathing, you should discuss it with your doctor.
4. You are easily short of breath when active
This can be a sign of anemia, a problem that occurs when you don't get enough iron. In fact, you need it to help the body carry oxygen throughout your body. But if the body is deficient in iron, this can make shortness of breath or chest pain when exercising. You can also feel weak or hear a thump in the ear.
Iron deficiency generally occurs in women or vegetarians. In order for iron intake to remain good in the body, you can consume more from lean meat, nuts or green leafy vegetables, take iron supplements, or go to a doctor.
5. Shortness of breath suddenly
Normal if you experience shortness of breath if you are more active than usual. However, if shortness of breath occurs suddenly and for no apparent reason, don't be ignored. This can be a sign that there is a problem with the respiratory or cardiac pathways. If this happens to you, seek medical attention immediately.
6. Chest pain
If your chest hurts when you breathe, this does not always mean that there are muscles that are pulled accidentally. But sometimes this can be a sign of infection such as pneumonia or heart problems.
In addition, chest pain after exercise or due to experiencing a stressful event can be due to wind, so your heart muscle doesn't get enough blood. If you experience it, the doctor wants you to tell this symptom to him so he can do a test to see if there are other conditions, such as a heart attack.
If you experience chest pain lasting more than 15 minutes or even spread to other parts of the body, feeling nauseous, sweating, or coughing up blood, call the emergency number immediately.
