Why You Feel Chest Tightness & Shortness Of Breath

Okay, guys, let's get real for a sec. Have you ever been chilling, maybe watching some Netflix or just going about your day, and suddenly – bam! – your chest feels like it's being squeezed by an invisible hand, and it's like your lungs just forgot how to do their job? That scary, unsettling feeling of chest tightness accompanied by shortness of breath is something many of us have experienced, and let me tell you, it can send anyone into a panic spiral. When you're struggling to catch your breath and there's this pressure in your chest, your mind immediately races to the worst-case scenarios, right? "Is this a heart attack? Am I having an allergic reaction? What in the world is going on?!" It's completely natural to feel anxious and concerned when these symptoms crop up because, let's be honest, they're not just uncomfortable; they can be downright terrifying. This isn't just some minor annoyance; chest tightness and shortness of breath are significant signals from your body, and understanding them is crucial.

The truth is, these two symptoms often go hand-in-hand and can be indicators of a wide range of conditions, some benign and easily manageable, others requiring immediate medical attention. That's why diving deep into the causes behind why you feel chest tightness and shortness of breath is so important. We're not just talking about quick fixes here; we're talking about gaining knowledge that empowers you to differentiate between a minor issue and a serious one, giving you the confidence to know when to seek help. Think of this article as your friendly guide, breaking down the complexities of dyspnea (that's the fancy medical term for shortness of breath, folks) and chest discomfort. We’ll explore everything from common respiratory problems like asthma and bronchitis, which can severely impact your breathing, to cardiovascular issues that affect your heart's ability to pump blood efficiently, leading to those alarming sensations. We'll even look at less obvious but equally impactful culprits like anxiety, panic attacks, and certain digestive disorders that can surprisingly manifest as chest tightness and difficulty breathing. Our goal is to demystify these symptoms, provide clear explanations, and offer practical advice. By the end of this read, you'll have a much clearer picture of what causes chest tightness and shortness of breath, when to treat it casually, and more importantly, when to rush to the ER. So, let's embark on this journey to better understand our bodies and breathe a little easier, metaphorically and literally!

What Exactly Are Chest Tightness and Shortness of Breath?

Alright, before we dive into the nitty-gritty of why you might be feeling that unnerving squeeze and gasping for air, let's first get a clear picture of what exactly chest tightness and shortness of breath really mean. We often use these terms interchangeably, but they describe distinct, though often co-occurring, sensations that your body might be trying to tell you something important. Chest tightness isn't just a physical sensation; it's that uncomfortable feeling of pressure, fullness, or a constricting squeeze in your chest area. People describe it in all sorts of ways: some say it feels like an elephant sitting on their chest, others feel a tight band around their ribs, or even a dull ache that radiates. It can be sharp, dull, constant, or intermittent, and can vary greatly in intensity. This sensation is often a sign that something is irritating the nerves in your chest, whether it's muscles, organs, or even the nerves themselves protesting. It's a feeling that instantly puts you on edge, making you acutely aware of your breathing and your heart.

Then there's shortness of breath, or dyspnea, as the medical pros call it. This is the subjective experience of feeling like you can't get enough air, like you're constantly gasping for breath even when you're at rest, or that your breathing is simply labored and difficult. Imagine trying to run a sprint after sitting on the couch for hours – that feeling of being winded, but it just hits you out of nowhere. It's not just fast breathing; it's an unsatisfying breath, a sensation that your lungs aren't filling up adequately, no matter how hard you try. This can manifest as rapid, shallow breaths, or a deep need to take a full, satisfying inhale that never quite comes. The link between chest tightness and shortness of breath is pretty strong, guys, because when your chest feels tight, it often restricts the natural expansion of your lungs, making it harder to take those deep, satisfying breaths. Conversely, struggling for air can make your chest muscles work overtime, leading to that tight, strained feeling. It’s a vicious cycle sometimes. Recognising the specific nature of these sensations – where the tightness is, what kind of pain it is, when the shortness of breath started, and what makes it better or worse – can provide crucial clues to both you and any healthcare provider you might consult. Understanding these baseline definitions is our first step in figuring out why you might be experiencing these alarming symptoms and how to tackle them head-on. Don't underestimate the power of knowing what your body is actually trying to communicate, because often, the subtlety of these feelings can be the key to unlocking their cause.

Common Causes: Why Are You Feeling This Way?

Now that we’ve got a handle on what chest tightness and shortness of breath actually feel like, let’s get down to the brass tacks: why are you experiencing them? The truth is, there's a whole laundry list of potential culprits, ranging from pretty mild annoyances to serious, life-threatening conditions. This is why it’s so important not to self-diagnose but to use this information as a guide to better understand what questions to ask and when to seek professional help. We’re going to break these down into categories to make it easier to digest, because knowing the different causes of chest tightness and shortness of breath can make a huge difference in how you respond. From your respiratory system, which is literally responsible for getting oxygen into your body, to your cardiovascular system, the powerhouse that keeps everything pumping, and even your digestive system or stress levels, these symptoms can truly be a chameleon, mimicking various problems. So, buckle up as we explore the most common reasons why you might be feeling that unwelcome pressure in your chest and struggling for air. Each category will give you a clearer picture of potential scenarios, helping you to connect the dots and understand your body’s signals more effectively.

Respiratory Issues: When Your Lungs Are the Culprit

When you're dealing with chest tightness and shortness of breath, one of the first places our minds go, and rightfully so, is our lungs. After all, they're the superstars responsible for our breathing! A host of respiratory conditions can throw a wrench into this vital process, leading to those alarming sensations. Let’s talk about some of the most common ones.

First up is Asthma. For many folks, asthma is a chronic condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, which can make you feel like you’re trying to breathe through a tiny straw. During an asthma attack, you’ll likely experience intense chest tightness, wheezing, coughing, and, yep, you guessed it, significant shortness of breath. Triggers can be anything from allergens like pollen and dust mites to exercise, cold air, or even stress. If you have a known asthma diagnosis, you're probably familiar with these episodes, but if this is a new experience for you, these symptoms can be incredibly frightening. The chest tightness often feels like a squeezing or heavy pressure, while the shortness of breath can be severe, making even simple tasks feel impossible. It's crucial for asthmatics to have an action plan and access to their rescue inhalers to manage these acute episodes effectively.

Next, we have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), which includes conditions like emphysema and chronic bronchitis. This is often seen in long-term smokers or those with significant exposure to lung irritants. With COPD, the airways become damaged and inflamed, making it progressively harder to breathe. Persistent shortness of breath is a hallmark symptom, often accompanied by a chronic cough and sputum production. Chest tightness can also be a constant companion, especially as the disease progresses or during exacerbations. Unlike asthma, COPD is generally irreversible, but its symptoms, including chest tightness and shortness of breath, can be managed to improve quality of life.

Then there are acute infections like Pneumonia and Bronchitis. Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, which may fill with fluid or pus. This can lead to severe shortness of breath, chest pain that worsens with breathing or coughing, fever, chills, and a cough that often produces phlegm. The chest tightness in pneumonia can be quite sharp due to inflammation. Bronchitis, on the other hand, is an inflammation of the lining of your bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from your lungs. Acute bronchitis often follows a cold or flu and causes a nagging cough, often with mucus, chest discomfort or tightness, and mild shortness of breath. While typically less severe than pneumonia, both conditions can cause significant respiratory distress and require medical attention, especially if shortness of breath becomes severe or if you're experiencing high fevers.

Let's not forget Allergies. For some individuals, a severe allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis, can cause rapid and alarming shortness of breath and chest tightness due to airway swelling. Even less severe allergies can trigger asthma-like symptoms in sensitive individuals. And in recent times, we've all become familiar with COVID-19, a viral infection that can severely impact the lungs, leading to significant shortness of breath, chest pain, and fatigue, often requiring hospitalization.

Understanding these respiratory causes of chest tightness and shortness of breath is vital. If you experience new or worsening shortness of breath, especially if it's accompanied by severe chest pain, fever, or persistent cough, don't wait it out. Your lungs are telling you something serious, and getting professional medical advice is always the smartest move.

Cardiovascular Concerns: Is Your Heart Playing Tricks?

Okay, guys, if your chest feels tight and you’re struggling for breath, it’s perfectly natural for your mind to jump to your heart. And often, your instincts are spot on because cardiovascular concerns are indeed a significant cause of these alarming symptoms. When your heart, that incredible muscle that pumps blood throughout your entire body, isn’t working optimally, it can manifest in some pretty scary ways. Let's talk about some key heart-related issues that can cause chest tightness and shortness of breath, and more importantly, when these symptoms scream "emergency!"

One of the most well-known culprits is Angina. This isn't a heart attack itself, but rather a warning sign. Angina is chest pain or discomfort that happens when your heart muscle isn't getting enough oxygen-rich blood. It often feels like a squeezing, pressure, heaviness, tightness, or aching in your chest. The discomfort can also spread to your shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back. What’s important about angina is that it’s often triggered by physical exertion or stress and typically eases with rest or medication (like nitroglycerin). Along with chest tightness, you might also experience shortness of breath, fatigue, and sometimes nausea. While it usually subsides, angina is a clear signal that you have underlying heart disease and needs to be evaluated by a doctor.

Now, let's talk about the big one: a Heart Attack, or myocardial infarction. This is when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked for a prolonged period, causing heart muscle damage. The chest tightness or pain associated with a heart attack is often described as crushing, squeezing, or a heavy pressure. Unlike angina, it's typically more severe, lasts longer than a few minutes, and doesn't go away with rest. Critically, shortness of breath is a very common symptom of a heart attack, often accompanied by pain radiating to the left arm, jaw, or back, sweating, nausea, and lightheadedness. Guys, if you or someone you're with experiences new, severe, or persistent chest tightness and shortness of breath, especially with other symptoms like profuse sweating, dizziness, or pain spreading to the arm or jaw, DO NOT HESITATE. Call emergency services (like 911 or your local equivalent) immediately. Every second counts in a heart attack.

Another condition to be aware of is Pericarditis, which is the inflammation of the pericardium, the sac-like membrane surrounding your heart. This can cause sharp, stabbing chest pain that often worsens when you lie down, breathe deeply, or cough, and improves when you lean forward. While not typically causing shortness of breath directly, the pain can make it difficult to take a full breath, leading to a feeling of dyspnea.

Finally, let’s briefly touch upon Arrhythmias, which are irregular heartbeats. While many arrhythmias are harmless, some can cause your heart to beat too fast, too slow, or irregularly, leading to sensations like palpitations, dizziness, fatigue, chest fluttering or tightness, and yes, shortness of breath, especially if your heart isn’t pumping blood efficiently.

Understanding the difference between these conditions is vital. The takeaway here is simple: if you suspect a heart issue, particularly a heart attack, act fast. It’s always better to get checked out and find out it’s nothing serious than to delay and face severe consequences. Your heart is literally at the center of your life, so treat chest tightness and shortness of breath with the respect they deserve when your cardiovascular system might be involved.

Anxiety and Panic Attacks: The Mind-Body Connection

Believe it or not, guys, sometimes the most alarming chest tightness and shortness of breath you experience isn't coming from your heart or lungs at all, but directly from your brain! That's right, anxiety and panic attacks are incredibly powerful, and they can manifest with physical symptoms that are eerily similar to serious medical emergencies, often leaving you feeling completely terrified and helpless. It's a classic case of the mind-body connection truly showing off its strength.

When you're experiencing high levels of stress or anxiety, your body goes into "fight or flight" mode. This ancient survival mechanism, while useful for escaping a saber-toothed tiger, can wreak havoc in our modern, often less physically threatening, lives. Your body prepares for action: your heart rate increases, your muscles tense up, and your breathing pattern changes. One of the most common respiratory responses to anxiety is hyperventilation, which means breathing too rapidly or too deeply. While it might sound counterintuitive, hyperventilation can actually lead to a decrease in carbon dioxide in your blood, which in turn can cause a whole cascade of uncomfortable symptoms, including dizziness, lightheadedness, tingling in your hands and feet, and yes, that terrifying sensation of not being able to catch your breath or shortness of breath. This feeling of being unable to get enough air then triggers more anxiety, creating a vicious, self-perpetuating cycle.

Along with the shortness of breath, anxiety and panic attacks very frequently cause intense chest tightness. This can feel like a heavy weight, a sharp pain, or a burning sensation. Your chest muscles can tense up significantly, mimicking cardiac pain. It’s also common to feel palpitations (your heart racing or pounding), sweating, trembling, nausea, and a profound sense of impending doom. The scary part is how similar these symptoms are to a heart attack, which is why differentiating between the two can be incredibly difficult, even for medical professionals sometimes without proper testing. If you've been checked out by a doctor and serious physical causes have been ruled out, then it's highly likely your chest tightness and shortness of breath might be linked to anxiety.

So, what can you do if you suspect anxiety or panic is the culprit? First, it’s crucial to acknowledge the link between your mental state and these physical sensations. Don’t dismiss it as "just in your head"; these physical feelings are very real! Learning coping mechanisms is key. Deep breathing exercises (like diaphragmatic breathing, where you breathe from your belly) can help regulate your carbon dioxide levels and calm your nervous system. Mindfulness, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation are also fantastic tools. Sometimes, simply knowing what's happening can reduce the fear, which in itself can lessen the severity of the chest tightness and shortness of breath. For persistent anxiety or frequent panic attacks, seeking help from a mental health professional – a therapist or counselor – can provide you with strategies and support to manage these overwhelming feelings effectively. Remember, your mental well-being is just as important as your physical health, and addressing anxiety can significantly improve these physical symptoms.

Gastrointestinal Culprits: It's Not Always What You Think

Alright, prepare to have your minds a little blown, guys, because sometimes the chest tightness and shortness of breath you’re feeling might not be coming from your lungs or heart, or even your brain. Nope! The culprit could be hanging out in your digestive system! It sounds wild, I know, but certain gastrointestinal issues can expertly mimic more serious conditions, causing those alarming sensations right in your chest.

The biggest player here is often Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), more commonly known as acid reflux or chronic heartburn. This happens when stomach acid frequently flows back up into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach (your esophagus). When this acid splashes up, it can irritate the lining of your esophagus, causing a burning sensation – the classic heartburn – which often feels like chest tightness or pain, right behind your breastbone. This pain can be quite intense and can sometimes spread to your throat or even your jaw, making it easy to confuse with a heart attack. What’s more, GERD can sometimes trigger shortness of breath. This can happen in a few ways: the acid reflux can irritate your airways, leading to coughing and wheezing, similar to asthma. In some cases, tiny amounts of acid can be aspirated (breathed in) into the lungs, causing inflammation and respiratory distress. Additionally, the pain and discomfort from severe reflux can be so intense that it makes it difficult to take a deep, satisfying breath, contributing to that feeling of shortness of breath. The good news is that GERD-related chest tightness and shortness of breath often improve with antacids or specific reflux medications, and lifestyle changes like avoiding trigger foods, eating smaller meals, and not lying down immediately after eating can make a big difference.

Another sneaky gastrointestinal cause is Esophageal Spasms. These are painful contractions of the muscles in your esophagus, and they can cause sudden, severe chest pain that feels very much like a heart attack. The pain can be crushing or squeezing, often radiating to the back, neck, or arms. Along with the intense chest tightness, some people might also experience difficulty swallowing or the feeling of food being stuck. While shortness of breath isn't a primary symptom, the sheer intensity of the chest pain can cause you to hold your breath or breathe shallowly, leading to a secondary feeling of being short of breath. These spasms can sometimes be triggered by hot or cold foods and drinks.

It's truly fascinating (and a bit frustrating!) how interconnected our body systems are. If you’re experiencing chest tightness and shortness of breath and other, more critical causes have been ruled out, especially if you also have symptoms like heartburn, regurgitation, difficulty swallowing, or a sour taste in your mouth, then it’s definitely worth discussing the possibility of a gastrointestinal issue with your doctor. Understanding that your gut can play tricks on your chest can save you a lot of worry and help you find the right treatment path.

Musculoskeletal Pain: A Less Obvious Factor

Let's pivot to another often overlooked but surprisingly common cause of chest tightness and discomfort: musculoskeletal pain. Yeah, that's right, sometimes the issue isn't deep inside your vital organs but rather in the muscles, bones, and cartilage that make up your chest wall. It’s easy to panic when you feel chest pain because we're conditioned to think "heart attack," but sometimes, it's just your body's framework acting up!

One of the prime examples here is Costochondritis. This is an inflammation of the cartilage that connects your ribs to your breastbone (sternum). Think of it like a sprain or strain, but in your chest! Costochondritis causes sharp, stabbing, or aching chest pain and tightness, usually on one side of your breastbone. The key differentiator here, guys, is that the pain typically worsens when you press on the affected area (like between your ribs), when you take a deep breath, cough, sneeze, or move your torso in certain ways. This chest tightness can be quite alarming, but unlike heart pain, it usually doesn't radiate to your arm or jaw and isn't typically accompanied by shortness of breath in the way a cardiac event would be. However, the pain itself can be so intense that it makes you take shallow breaths to avoid exacerbating the discomfort, leading to a secondary feeling of shortness of breath. Costochondritis can be caused by injury, strenuous exercise, repetitive motions, or even a severe cough. It’s a benign condition but can be incredibly painful and anxiety-inducing due to its location.

Beyond costochondritis, simple muscle strains in your chest wall can also cause significant chest tightness and pain. Ever overdid it at the gym, or perhaps lifted something heavy the wrong way? Your pectoral muscles (chest muscles), intercostal muscles (between the ribs), or even back muscles can get strained. This can result in a dull ache or sharp pain that feels like chest tightness, especially with movement, coughing, or deep breathing. Again, the pain is often reproducible by touch or specific movements, which is a helpful clue for distinguishing it from internal organ issues. While these muscle strains don't directly cause shortness of breath, the pain can certainly make taking a full, comfortable breath a challenge.

The crucial takeaway here is that if your chest tightness or pain is localized, worsens with pressure on your chest wall, or changes significantly with movement or deep breathing, it might be musculoskeletal in origin. While it’s always best to get a professional medical opinion to rule out anything serious, knowing that your muscles and bones can also be a source of chest discomfort can help alleviate some of the immediate panic. Don't underestimate the power of a good stretch or even some over-the-counter pain relievers for these kinds of issues, but first, make sure you've discussed these symptoms with a doctor to ensure nothing more serious is at play.

When to Seek Medical Help: Don't Ignore the Signs!

Alright, guys, we’ve covered a lot of ground on the various causes of chest tightness and shortness of breath, from the benign to the potentially life-threatening. While knowledge is power, it’s absolutely crucial to know when to stop guessing and seek professional medical help. This isn't about scaring you, but empowering you to make smart, swift decisions when your body is sending serious signals. Ignoring certain signs can have severe consequences, so let's get clear on the red flags that demand immediate attention.

First and foremost: If you experience sudden, severe chest tightness or crushing chest pain accompanied by shortness of breath, especially if it's new, worsening, or spreading to your arm, jaw, or back, and is associated with sweating, nausea, dizziness, or lightheadedness, call emergency services (like 911 or your local emergency number) IMMEDIATELY. Do not drive yourself. Do not wait for it to pass. Do not try to "sleep it off." These are classic symptoms of a heart attack, and every minute counts in getting treatment to preserve heart muscle. This also applies if you feel a sudden, intense shortness of breath without an obvious cause, or if you feel a sense of impending doom that you just can't shake. Trust your gut instincts here.

Beyond immediate emergencies, there are other situations where you should definitely consult a doctor promptly, though perhaps not via an ambulance. You should see your doctor if you experience:

• New or worsening shortness of breath that is persistent and doesn't improve with rest.
• Chest tightness or pain that recurs frequently, even if it's mild, or if it changes in character or intensity.
• Shortness of breath accompanied by swelling in your legs or ankles, as this could indicate heart failure.
• Shortness of breath with a persistent cough, especially if you're coughing up blood or thick, discolored mucus.
• Fever, chills, and muscle aches along with chest tightness and shortness of breath, which could point to an infection like pneumonia.
• Wheezing or difficulty breathing that is new or getting worse.
• Unexplained weight loss alongside your respiratory symptoms.
• Symptoms that wake you up at night.

It’s also important to remember that if you have known underlying conditions like asthma, COPD, or heart disease, any significant change in your usual chest tightness or shortness of breath patterns warrants a call to your doctor. For instance, if your asthma inhaler isn't working as effectively as it usually does, or if your COPD symptoms are significantly worsening, don't delay in seeking advice.

When you do talk to a medical professional, be prepared to describe your symptoms as clearly as possible:

• What exactly does the chest tightness feel like? (Squeezing, crushing, sharp, dull, burning?)
• Where is the pain located? Does it spread anywhere?
• When did the shortness of breath start? Was it sudden or gradual?
• What makes your symptoms better or worse? (Rest, activity, certain positions?)
• What other symptoms are you experiencing? (Nausea, sweating, dizziness, cough, fever?)
• Do you have any pre-existing medical conditions or are you on any medications?

Being clear and concise will help your doctor make an accurate assessment quickly. Remember, folks, your health is not something to gamble with. When in doubt, always err on the side of caution and get professional medical advice for chest tightness and shortness of breath. It's always better to be safe than sorry.

Prevention and Management: Taking Control of Your Breath

Okay, guys, so we've talked about what chest tightness and shortness of breath feel like, and we’ve dug deep into the myriad of reasons why you might be experiencing these alarming symptoms. Now, let's shift gears and talk about something really empowering: prevention and management. While not every cause can be completely prevented, there's a lot you can do to reduce your risk, manage existing conditions, and overall, take control of your breathing and your well-being. This isn't just about avoiding scary symptoms; it's about building a healthier, more resilient you!

One of the cornerstones of preventing many causes of chest tightness and shortness of breath lies in adopting a healthy lifestyle. This isn't groundbreaking news, but it's incredibly effective.

• Quit Smoking: This is probably the single most impactful step you can take for your respiratory and cardiovascular health. Smoking is a primary driver of COPD, increases your risk for heart disease, and generally wreaks havoc on your lungs, making shortness of breath a chronic issue.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Carrying excess weight, especially around your abdomen, can put extra strain on your heart and lungs, making breathing more difficult and exacerbating conditions like GERD. Regular physical activity, even moderate walking, can significantly improve lung capacity and cardiovascular fitness, reducing the likelihood of chest tightness and shortness of breath related to deconditioning.
• Eat a Balanced Diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and low in processed foods, unhealthy fats, and excessive sodium, supports heart health and can help manage conditions like GERD.
• Regular Exercise: Gradually increasing your physical activity can strengthen your heart and lungs, improving their efficiency and reducing your susceptibility to shortness of breath during exertion. Always consult your doctor before starting a new exercise regimen, especially if you have existing conditions.

For those of you dealing with specific underlying conditions that cause chest tightness and shortness of breath, effective management is key:

• Asthma/COPD: Stick to your prescribed medication regimen, use your inhalers as directed, and attend regular follow-up appointments with your pulmonologist. Learn your triggers and avoid them.
• Heart Conditions: Take all prescribed heart medications, monitor your blood pressure and cholesterol, and follow your cardiologist’s advice diligently. Lifestyle changes are also critical here.
• GERD: Manage your diet, avoid trigger foods (spicy, fatty, acidic foods, caffeine, alcohol), don't eat large meals before bed, and use antacids or other medications as recommended by your doctor. Elevating the head of your bed can also help reduce nighttime reflux.

Since we know anxiety and stress can be major contributors to chest tightness and shortness of breath, developing effective stress reduction techniques is paramount.

• Mindfulness and Meditation: Even just 5-10 minutes a day can help calm your nervous system.
• Deep Breathing Exercises: Practicing diaphragmatic breathing can help regulate your breathing pattern, especially during moments of anxiety, reducing the feeling of shortness of breath. There are many guided exercises available online or through apps.
• Yoga or Tai Chi: These practices combine physical movement with breathwork and mindfulness, offering holistic stress relief.
• Adequate Sleep: Prioritizing 7-9 hours of quality sleep can significantly improve your body’s ability to cope with stress and can reduce the frequency of anxiety-induced chest tightness.
• Seek Professional Help: If anxiety or panic attacks are a frequent cause of your symptoms, don't hesitate to consult a therapist or counselor. They can provide tools and strategies for long-term management.

Finally, remember the importance of regular medical check-ups. Catching potential issues early can make a world of difference. Don't dismiss persistent symptoms, and always follow up with your doctor as recommended. Taking a proactive approach to your health, managing your stress, and understanding your body's signals are your best bets for minimizing the unsettling experiences of chest tightness and shortness of breath. You've got this, and by being informed, you're already on your way to better health!