Shortness of breath - Definition and Overview

Dyspnea (Latin dyspnoea, Greek dyspnoia from dyspnoos - short of breath) or shortness of breath (SOB) is perceived difficulty breathing or pain on breathing. It is a common symptom of a great many disorders, including emphysema, COPD, broken ribs, lung cancer, malignant hypertension, and so forth.

Causes

• disorders within the lungs, such as pulmonary hypertension, atelectasis
• disorders in the ribcage, such as kyphosis,
• disorders in adjacent organs
• disorders in the nervous system
• disorders due to drugs and toxins.

Other terms for breathing malfunctions include

• tachypnea, which is too-rapid breathing.
• bradypnea, which is too-slow breathing.
• orthopnea, dyspnea occurring in a recumbent position
• paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, dyspnea occurring during sleep.