110
FAMILY ILLNESS
Shortness of breath( adults)
For children under 12, see p. 112 Feeling short of breath is to be expected after strenuous exercise. Breathing should return to normal after resting. If you are short of breath at rest or following normal activities, such as getting dressed, you should consult your doctor because your symptom may be due to a serious heart or lung disorder.
START
Is breathing painful?
ACTION
GO TO ANOTHER CHART Chest pain, p. 134
! Danger signs
Dial 911 or call EMS if either you or someone you are with has one or both of the following symptoms:
• Sudden and severe shortness of breath.
• Blue-tinged lips. While waiting for medical help, loosen any restricting clothing and help the person sit upright.
Painful
Not painful
Have you been wheezing?
Wheezing
No wheezing
ACTION
GO TO ANOTHER CHART Wheezing, p. 114
ACTION
DIAL 911 OR CALL EMS
! You may have a pulmonary embolism( blood clot in the lung).
How quickly did the shortness of breath start?
Gradually, over a few days or longer
Suddenly, within the past 48 hours
Do any of the following apply?
You have recently had surgery
You have recently been immobile due to injury or a long trip
You have had a baby within the past 2 weeks
None of the above
Do you have either of the following?
Swollen ankles
Cough with sputum on most days
Neither
Do you have any of the following?
Waking at night feeling breathless
Frothy pink or white sputum
Temperature of 100.4 ° F( 38 ° C) or above
None of the above