Shortness of Breath Safety Instructions – Aware of Warning Signs

Shortness of breath means you have trouble breathing. Your lungs are organs for breathing.

Follow these instructions at home:

Pay attention to any changes in your symptoms. Take these actions to help with your condition:

• Do not smoke. Smoking can cause shortness of breath. If you need help to quit smoking, ask your doctor.
• Avoid things that can make it harder to breathe, such as:
  • Mold.
  • Dust.
  • Air pollution.
  • Chemical smells.
  • Things that can cause allergy symptoms (allergens), if you have allergies.
• Keep your living space clean and free of mold and dust.
• Rest as needed. Slowly return to your usual activities.
• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines, including oxygen and inhaled medicines, only as told by your doctor.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your doctor. This is important.

Contact a doctor if:

• Your condition does not get better as soon as expected.
• You have a hard time doing your normal activities, even after you rest.
• You have new symptoms.

Get help right away if:

• You have trouble breathing when you are resting.
• You feel light-headed or you faint.
• You have a cough that is not helped by medicines.
• You cough up blood.
• You have pain with breathing.
• You have pain in your chest, arms, shoulders, or belly (abdomen).
• You have a fever.
• You cannot walk up stairs.
• You cannot exercise the way you normally do.