Why Can't I Breathe?

　　Why Can't I Breathe?

　　It's not a surprise to find yourself short of breath after a workout. But are you out of air when you're at rest, or even lying down? If so, it might be a sign of a larger problem. You need to get it checked out by your doctor right away.
　　Shortness of breath is a symptom of a lot of medical conditions. Watch out for other issues that may go along with your airflow problem.
　　Allergies
　　Your breathing trouble could be an allergy to a food, pet, or something in the air. Your immune system -- the body's defense against germs -- treats those things like a foreign invader that needs to be fought off.
　　Besides shortness of breath, you might have:
　　Vomiting
　　Hives or rash
　　Coughing, sneezing, or runny nose
　　Watery eyes
　　Tightness in the throat
　　Trouble swallowing or swelling of your tongue
　　Dizziness
　　Fatigue
　　Some common foods that some people are allergic to are eggs, milk, nuts, shellfish, and wheat. Things in the air that can set off your allergies are dust, pollen, and pet dander -- tiny pieces of skin that are shed by cats, dogs, and other animals.
　　Your doctor can give you tests that pinpoint the triggers for your allergies. Medications, such as antihistamines, can help relieve many symptoms. Your doctor may also recommend immunotherapy, a long-term treatment plan that involves regular injections.
　　Asthma
　　It might feel like someone is sitting on your chest or you can't get enough air in or out. You take short breaths to try to get as much in.
　　Asthma is one of the most common lung diseases. It can be triggered by something you're allergic to, like pollen, or from an irritant in the air, like smoke. Stress, exercise, or even a change in the weather can set it off.
　　In addition to shortness of breath, it can cause:
　　Coughing
　　Tightness in the chest
　　Wheezing
　　To keep it under control, work with your doctor to create a treatment plan. First, avoid all triggers except exercise, which is important for your overall health.
　　You can try two kinds of medicines. One is for long-term control and the other is for quick relief.
　　Atrial Fibrillation
　　Your heart works hard for you your whole life. But sometimes its rhythm gets off-kilter. When it skips a beat or flutters in an unusual way, it's known as atrial fibrillation (AFib). The upper chambers of your heart quiver, and it can become less effective at pumping blood. This can lead to blood clots, stroke, and heart failure.
　　When you have AFib, you'll notice some other symptoms besides shortness of breath.
　　Fatigue
　　Rapid or irregular heartbeat
　　Dizziness
　　Weakness
　　Anxiety
　　Faintness
　　Sweating
　　Chest pains
　　Doctors can treat your AFib with medications, but you can also keep it in check by some lifestyle changes, such as drinking less coffee.
　　Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
　　It's a type of lung disease that mainly involves two conditions: long-term bronchitis and emphysema. It's generally caused by smoking.
　　Over time, your lung tissue gets damaged, and you find it harder to draw air in and out of your lungs.
　　Some other signs of COPD are:
　　Coughing
　　Frequent respiratory infections
　　Blue lips or fingernails
　　Fatigue
　　Too much phlegm or mucus
　　Wheezing
　　COPD can be managed with medication, but there's no cure, and it gets worse over time. A change in lifestyle, including exercise and eating right, can help. You may need doses of extra oxygen from a tank or another device. Your doctor might recommend surgery to repair your damaged lungs.
　　Is It Because I Quit Smoking?
　　If you've been smoking for a while, it shouldn't be a surprise if you can't breathe as well. Of the many health problems that come with tobacco, lung disease is at the top.
　　But you may not realize that when you stop lighting up, you can have short stints where you can't catch your breath.
　　As you smoke, you damage your lungs. It can take a while for them to heal once you've stopped. Aside from trouble breathing, you can have:
　　Craving for cigarettes or nicotine
　　Intense hunger
　　Coughing
　　Headaches
　　Trouble concentrating
　　Constipation
　　Fatigue
　　Sore throat
　　Trouble sleeping
　　After you put out your last cigarette, your ability to breathe normally should return in 1 to 9 months. It depends on how long and heavily you smoked.
　　What Can I Do About Shortness of Breath?
　　Don't ignore your breathing troubles or put off getting help. Your body is trying to tell you something important. Get in touch with your doctor to find the source of the problem and learn how to get relief. Once you've got a diagnosis, you'll be one step closer to breathing easier.