What is Dyspnea?

Dyspnea is the medical term for shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. It can range from mild, temporary discomfort to severe, chronic difficulty that can be debilitating. Dyspnea is often associated with conditions affecting the heart or lungs, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart failure, pneumonia, or pulmonary embolism. It can also occur during intense physical exertion or as a result of anxiety or panic attacks. Dyspnea typically occurs when the body feels it is not getting enough air, either due to obstruction, muscle fatigue, or poor oxygen exchange.