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Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea)

The term “dyspnea” simply means shortness of breath or difficult/uncomfortable breathing. Dyspnea can occur just once, many times, or it can become constant.

In healthy people, dyspnea may be caused by very hard exercise, high altitude, or extreme temperatures. If dyspnea is not explained by one of these factors, it is most likely a sign of another medical problem. Potential causes of dyspnea include:

When dyspnea recurs often (is chronic), it is most likely due to:

Ready for an Appointment?

If you're experiencing signs or symptoms of shortness of breath, schedule an appointment or call 800-TEMPLE-MED (800-836-7536) today.

Learn more about our doctors and care team who diagnose and treat shortness of breath.