Shortness Of Breath Specialist

Pinnacle Healthcare System

Cardiology & Internal Medicine & Nephrology located in Hollywood, FL & Pembroke Pines, FL

Shortness of breath is a frightening sensation that may develop from any number of causes. Though not all causes of shortness of breath are serious, if yours is an ongoing or severe problem, the team at Pinnacle Healthcare System can help. The full-service practice offers on-site pulmonary function testing (PFT) to assess the severity of your shortness of breath and determine the cause. Call the office in Hollywood or Pembroke Pines, Florida, or book an appointment online today. Urgent care appointments are also available.

Shortness of Breath Q & A

What is shortness of breath?

Shortness of breath, medically known as dyspnea, is a sensation that makes it feel as though you can’t breathe in enough air. With shortness of breath, you may feel tightness in your chest, breathlessness, or feeling as though you’re suffocating.

It’s not uncommon for healthy people to develop shortness of breath after a strenuous workout or from a temperature change. However, if you have ongoing shortness of breath or severe shortness of breath, it may be a symptom of an underlying health condition. 

Pinnacle Healthcare System is a full-service cardiology practice that also offers comprehensive internal medicine and nephrology care. The team of health professionals can determine the cause of your shortness of breath and provide the right treatment. 

What causes shortness of breath?

In most cases, shortness of breath develops from a problem related to your heart or lungs. However, other health issues may also cause this frightening sensation.

Common causes of shortness of breath include:

  • Asthma
  • Allergies
  • Heart attack
  • Arrhythmia
  • Congestive heart failure
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Pneumonia
  • COVID-19
  • Collapsed lung
  • Pulmonary embolism
  • Anemia
  • Anxiety
  • Broken rib

Some causes of shortness of breath are life-threatening. If you have chest pain, nausea, or dizziness with your breathing problem, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.  

How is shortness of breath evaluated?

When you visit Pinnacle Healthcare System with concerns about shortness of breath, the team conducts a thorough examination to determine the underlying cause.

During your exam, they review your symptoms and medical history and perform a physical exam. The practice also offers on-site PFTs. 

The non-invasive test assesses lung function by measuring how much you breathe in, how quickly you exhale, and how well your lungs exchange gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide). 

Your PFT helps the team diagnose the cause of your shortness of breath and determine the best treatment.

How is shortness of breath treated?

Treatment for shortness of breath depends on the underlying cause. The Pinnacle Healthcare System team works one-on-one with you to develop a plan that improves your breathing and underlying health issue that triggered the symptom.

Treatment may include:

  • Antibiotic to clear up an infection
  • Disease-specific medication
  • Supplemental oxygen
  • Bronchodilators
  • Lifestyle changes

For heart-related conditions, the skilled cardiologists may recommend treatments specific to your cardiac needs, such as placement and monitoring of a pacemaker for an arrhythmia. 

For comprehensive care, call Pinnacle Healthcare System or book an appointment online today.