SHORTNESS OF BREATH TREATMENT IN LONDON
Shortness of breath treatment
Here at Expert Cardiologist, we often learn that some of our patients experience shortness of breath in their day-to-day lives. It can be difficult to detect why this may be happening to you – and, understandably, this can cause some concern.
At Expert Cardiologist, we focus on identifying and treating the root cause of your breathlessness, rather than just addressing the symptom itself. To ensure you receive the right treatment, we begin with a full diagnostic cardiac assessment to determine whether your symptoms are heart-related or due to another condition.
Shortness of breath treatments we may recommend can include:
- Medication to open the airways
- Pulmonary rehabilitation (a programme involving exercise, support and education)
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), a type of talking therapy
- Cardiology treatments, if the cause is heart-related, such as medication for heart failure or arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythm)
At-home shortness of breath treatments
Sometimes, home-based techniques can help manage your symptoms.
These can include methods of enhancing your ability to breathe, such as:
- Sitting forward while seated (a table may be used for support)
- Pursed-lip breathing
- Diaphragmatic breathing (taking deep breaths into your stomach to improve airflow)
- Sleeping in a relaxed upright position
- Standing with a supported back or arms
If you suffer from shortness of breath and want to receive some guidance on treatment, don’t hesitate to get in touch today. We tailor your treatment plan to help you on your journey to better health, priding ourselves on giving you the high-quality service you deserve.
What is shortness of breath?
Shortness of breath, or dyspnoea, can come on suddenly or develop over time. When you are experiencing shortness of breath, your chest can feel tight, and it feels like you are struggling to draw in a breath. It’s a feeling that you may experience when you exercise.
While it’s normal to feel breathless after exerting yourself, persistent breathlessness – especially when at rest – may suggest an underlying heart condition.
If your shortness of breath happens frequently or without an obvious trigger, it can be particularly distressing. When breathlessness affects your daily life or happens without exertion, it’s important to seek medical advice so any underlying conditions (heart-related or not) can be promptly treated.
Shortness of breath causes
Shortness of breath rarely has a single cause. It may result from a combination of factors, including lifestyle habits such as smoking, poor diet, strenuous over-exercising or low fitness levels. In some cases, underlying conditions like anxiety or asthma may also contribute.
However, breathlessness can sometimes be associated with more serious health concerns, such as heart failure or lung disease. That’s why seeking a professional diagnosis is so important, as it ensures you receive the right treatment and support tailored to your individual needs.
Possible non-cardiac causes of breathlessness include:
- Asthma
- Anxiety (leading to issues such as panic attacks)
- Obesity
- Chest infection
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Lung disease
Several heart-related conditions can contribute to shortness of breath, too. These may be more serious and often require prompt medical assessment.
Potential cardiac-related causes of breathlessness include:
If you’re experiencing symptoms or have any concerns, it’s best to speak with your general practitioner for further guidance rather than attempting to self-diagnose.
Shortness of breath symptoms
Several symptoms are commonly linked to shortness of breath. Being able to recognise them can help you know when it might be time to seek medical advice.
Some signs may initially be mild but often become more noticeable following physical exertion or strenuous activity. Being aware of these symptoms can support a quicker diagnosis and more effective treatment.
Symptoms of breathlessness can include:
- Tight sensation in the chest
- Difficulty catching your breath
- Feeling the need to breathe more often/more quickly
- Feeling of suffocation
- Difficulty taking a deep breath
- Feel like you need to work hard to catch a breath
For more information, please read our guide on the signs that shortness of breath could be serious.
How do I know if my shortness of breath is heart-related?
Shortness of breath can sometimes be linked to heart-related conditions, particularly heart failure, which affects the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively. In more advanced stages, breathlessness may worsen when lying flat, leading people to sleep propped up with extra pillows. Some people experience shortness of breath at night and wake up suddenly, gasping for air.
Sometimes, respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath may suggest an underlying condition like coronary artery disease (CAD), heart failure and cardiac arrhythmia. If you suffer from shortness of breath paired with other symptoms like heart palpitations, chest pain, dizziness or loss of consciousness, you must seek medical care as soon as possible.
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Diagnosis for shortness of breath
At Expert Cardiologist, we offer a range of diagnostic tests to determine the cause of your symptoms and guide the best treatment plan.
Book a cardiology appointment with Dr Karagiannis
If you’re experiencing breathlessness, identifying the underlying cause is the first step towards effective treatment.
At Expert Cardiologist, we begin with a thorough diagnostic assessment to determine whether your symptoms are related to a heart condition or another issue. From there, we create a personalised treatment plan and provide lifestyle advice to support your overall health – offering dedicated care from the moment you get in touch.
If you’re seeking clarity and confidence in understanding your breathlessness, booking a consultation with an experienced cardiologist can make all the difference. Dr Georgios Karagiannis brings years of specialist experience and a compassionate, patient-focused approach. He takes the time to understand your symptoms, explain your options and recommend the most appropriate care for you.
Whether you’re looking for a second opinion, further investigations or reassurance, our team is here to help. Contact us today to book your appointment.
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