Shortness of Breath? 5 Signs It’s Time to See a Pulmonologist

Sure, breathing might not be easy if you’ve been relaxing this summer and you’re returning to the gym or a favorite fall sport. However, shortness of breath isn’t always poor conditioning. It could be due to cardiovascular or respiratory conditions. 

The Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine Group, LLC, team in Monroe, New Jersey, led by Dr. Andrew Freedman, is ready to help you address difficult breathing. You might be wondering if you’re ready for us. Is it a minor issue, or is it a legitimate health concern? 

To help, we’ve pinpointed five signs it’s time to visit our practice. If you have one or more of these indicators and they affect your quality of life, it’s time to book a visit. Let’s take a look. 

1. Your breathlessness persists

If you have shortness of breath, more frequent or intense breathing, or it affects activities you used to handle in stride, it could be a pulmonary problem. It’s normal to be out of breath after exerting yourself, but you should recover quickly without lingering effects. 

Persistent symptoms could be telling you that lung disorders like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are affecting your breathing. Dr. Freedman can diagnose the reasons for your frequent shortness of breath. 

2. Daily activities start to suffer

Walking, climbing stairs, or simple tasks around the home may cause shortness of breath you’ve never experienced. If you can’t play a sport or work out as long as you used to, it may be concerning. If these effects come on suddenly, your lung function may have changed and needs assessment. 

3. Coughing, wheezing, and mucus production

You can expect coughing, mucus, and wheezing with a respiratory infection like the cold or flu. These symptoms could suggest airway or lung problems. 

4. Sleep disruptions

Breathing problems overnight while sleeping can have even more potential causes than daytime issues. If you wake up out of breath or a cough disturbs your sleep, you need answers, since sound sleep is critical for recovery. 

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may be the problem if you wake suddenly and out of breath. We specialize in diagnosing and treating OSA and pulmonary diseases. 

5. Other warning signs are present

Shortness of breath combined with other symptoms may become urgent or emergency medical care, depending on the signs and their severity. Watch for coincidental warning signs, such as: 

• Chest tightness
• Unexplained fatigue
• Frequent respiratory infections

Treat shortness of breath as a medical emergency if it suddenly occurs with chest pain, fainting, cognitive changes, blue lips or nails, or any symptom that rapidly worsens.

More gradual changes in your breathing still need investigation. Find out more by booking a consultation with Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine Group, LLC. Call or click to schedule your appointment today.