Coughing and shortness of breath can be caused by respiratory infections, environmental conditions, asthma, pneumonia, and COPD. Symptoms can be subtle and similar to other respiratory problems, so seeking medical help is recommended.
Coughing and shortness of breath can be caused by a variety of different ailments. When the condition occurs alongside a fever, sore throat, or other common cold-like symptoms, common respiratory infections such as the common cold or the flu may be to blame. Exposure to certain environmental conditions such as high altitudes or extremely hot or cold temperatures could also cause the condition. Other common medical causes are lung-related problems such as asthma, pneumonia, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
A very common cause of coughing and shortness of breath is asthma, a condition that restricts the flow of air into the lungs and makes breathing difficult. A chronic wheezing cough is often a side effect of the disease and may be dry or accompanied by mucus. Dust, cigarette smoke and even the weather can trigger an asthma attack. For individuals who have a cough variant asthma, however, a dry cough is usually the only symptom, and shortness of breath does not usually occur.
Pneumonia is another lung condition associated with coughing and shortness of breath, and occurs when the lungs become inflamed and infected from exposure to germs. These germs include bacteria, parasites, and molds that spread to your lungs and make it difficult to breathe deeply. Severe cases tend to occur in those with weakened immune systems, the elderly, and those with chronic health conditions such as heart disease. Symptoms include chest pain when breathing, fever or chills, and a cough that comes with discolored mucus. Pneumonia is considered a leading cause of death in many areas of the world.
For long-term smokers, a chronic cough is a common complaint. When this is accompanied by shortness of breath, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may be the cause. COPD occurs when the air sacs and airways in the lungs become damaged due to irritation and can be caused by chronic bronchitis or emphysema. Over time, COPD can make it increasingly difficult to breathe. The condition can often be identified with a cough that gets worse with mild activity, a clammy wheezing cough, and a cough that doesn’t go away.
Many of the conditions that can cause coughing and shortness of breath can present with subtle symptoms. Some also have symptoms that look very similar to other respiratory problems. Because of the dangers of trying to diagnose and treat breathing problems without proper medical supervision, it is recommended that you get medical help to determine the correct causes of your symptoms and receive the appropriate treatment.
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