SHORTNESS OF BREATH( ADULTS) 111
ACTION
SEE YOUR DOCTOR WITHIN 24 HOURS You may have chronic heart failure, which causes fluid to gather in the lungs and tissues.
• If you smoke, stop.
• Avoid strenuous exercise and stressful situations.
ACTION
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR You may have chronic bronchitis or lung damage from smoking.
• If you smoke, stop.
• Avoid exposure to smoke, pollution, dust, dampness, and cold.
• Exercise lightly.
ACTION
CALL YOUR DOCTOR NOW You may have fluid on the lungs( pulmonary edema) caused by acute heart failure.
ACTION
CALL YOUR DOCTOR NOW You may have a lung infection, such as pneumonia, especially if you also have a cough.
• Take acetaminophen to reduce fever.
ACTION
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR You may have lung disease caused by inhaling damaging dusts or gases.
Do you have, or have you ever had, regular exposure to or contact with the following?
Dust or fumes
Grain crops, caged birds, or animals
Neither
Did the shortness of breath start straight after a stressful event?
Yes
No
ACTION
CALL YOUR DOCTOR NOW You may have had a panic attack, but this needs to be confirmed by a doctor.
• If you have had such attacks before, breathing into a bag may relieve symptoms( p. 168).
ACTION
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR You may have inflammation of the lungs due to an allergy.
ACTION
SEE YOUR DOCTOR WITHIN 24 HOURS You may be anemic, but a blood test will be needed to confirm the diagnosis.
• Get plenty of rest.
Do you have any of the following?
Faintness or fainting
Paler skin than normal
Undue fatigue
None of the above
ACTION
SEE YOUR DOCTOR WITHIN 24 HOURS if you cannot identify a possible cause for your shortness of breath from this chart.