Moderate to severe difficulty breathing in adults and older children
Difficulty breathing can occur when the body's lungs or heart are
not working well.
Symptoms of moderate difficulty breathing
Air hunger. The person feels like he or she
can't get enough air.
Shallow or slightly labored
breathing
Difficulty breathing at rest or after even mild
exertion
Shortness of breath that makes speaking difficult
Symptoms of severe difficulty breathing
Chest tightness so severe that the person is
worried being strong enough or able to keep breathing
Shortness of
breath makes speaking almost impossible
Severe
wheezing
Anxiety, fear, agitation, or
restlessness
Extreme drowsiness, difficulty waking up, or
responding slowly (lethargy)
By
Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer
David Messenger, MD
Specialist Medical Reviewer
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Revised
February 25, 2010
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Last Updated:
February 25, 2010
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