Shortness of Breath Causes | National Jewish Health

This information was reviewed and approved by Andrew M. Freeman, MD, FACC, FACP (12/1/2012).

Dyspnea, or shortness of breath, may indicate that your body is hungry for air. It tells you that something is not working right. There are many possible causes for dyspnea, including:

Obstruction of the air passages of the nose, mouth, throat from allergies, congestion, foreign objects, etc.
Strenuous exercise (especially when you don't exercise regularly)
Obesity
Acute pneumonia
Severe bronchospasm or asthma
Heart disease, coronary disease, and other heart conditions such as valvular disease
Chronic lung diseases
Pulmonary hypertension
Chest injuries
Emotional distress, anxiety
High altitude exposure
Extreme weather conditions (such as cold)

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