Is shortness of breath normal?
A. Some element of shortness of breath is normal, especially as you push yourself to be active. Persistent, significant shortness of breath, especially if accompanied by rapid breathing, perspiration, wheezing, rapid heart beat and a trend of decreasing activity are clearly abnormal and need attention. In a small number of patients, fluid will accumulate inside the chest and compress the lungs, interfering with your breathing. This is called a pleural effusion and requires a chest X-ray for diagnosis. A pleural effusion may require treatment with diuretics or a procedure in which the fluid is drained with a needle placed into the chest cavity. Another reason for severe shortness of breath may be from fluid accumulating around your heart. The fluid interferes with the heart function and causes shortness of breath and swelling of the ankles. This requires a cardiac echo for diagnosis and most likely will require treatment or careful observation.
