Difficulty Breathing Deeply

Breathing problem or dyspnea can be caused by various factors, most of which require prompt medical attention. The nature of such problems may vary from person to person. Some people have difficulty breathing after eating. Some experience breathlessness on lying down, while some experience chest pain while deep breathing. So it is quite difficult to define breathing difficulty. For difficulty taking deep breaths, you should consult your physician immediately.

• Various Medical Conditions: If you experience back pain while breathing deeply, you need to check whether it is due to oxygen deprived muscles, pulled diaphragm, spondylarthritis (chronic inflammatory disease . 

• It affects the joints of the spine and trunk of the body), or due to complications arising out of certain procedures like interscalene nerve block before shoulder surgery.

• Lung and Heart Diseases: Pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart attack, congestive heart failure, other heart defects or diseases, pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs), and pulmonary hypertension are some of the conditions which can lead to difficulty in deep breathing.

• Mold Exposure: Those who are allergic to molds (fungi) may find it difficult to breathe deeply after coming in contact with molds. After getting into the lungs, mold spores can block the airways. Inflammation and constriction of the airways result in blockage of air. The person may cough continuously, and may have chest pain when breathing deeply.

• Pregnancy: Most women develop anemia during pregnancy which may cause breathing difficulty. Mild symptoms are considered as normal, but severe symptoms need prompt medication. Pregnant women may find it difficult to breathe deeply, as growing pressure of the uterus over the diaphragm results in limited expansion of lungs.

Increased level of progesterone during pregnancy is also responsible for shortness of breath.

• High Altitude: Lack of oxygen to the brain at high altitudes may give rise to serious conditions. One should take proper care while climbing mountains. Regular exercise and fitness play an important role in mountaineering.

• Sinusitis: Sinusitis can cause trouble breathing, especially at night. The situation may get worsened at night, and the person may often wake up at night. Shortness of breath may thus result in sleep disorders.

• Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of exercise often results in poor blood circulation and dysfunction of certain muscles. Weak muscles of the respiratory system can give rise to pain when breathing.

• Blockages: Blockage in the mouth or throat, and constriction of windpipe due to certain medical conditions can eventually result in breathing problems.
• Digestive Disorders: Acid reflux, flatulence, allergy, food poisoning and hiatal hernia can be the reason behind painful breathing that is usually experienced after eating.

• Asthma: Those who have asthma, may experience worsened symptoms due to exposure to molds or dust.
• Excess Weight: Obesity can seriously affect functioning of muscles.
• Parkinson's Disease: Certain diseases like Parkinson's disease can cause choking on food.

• Dust Allergy: Large amount of dust in surrounding atmosphere can lead to breathing problems.
• Infections: Respiratory tract infections can lead to congestion and breathing difficulty.
• Common Cold: Deep breathing can be difficult due to stuffy nose during common cold.
• Injuries: Injury to the neck, chest wall, or lungs can seriously affect the respiratory system.

• Poisoning: Smoke inhalation and carbon monoxide poisoning often lead to choking.
• Physiological Causes: During a panic attack, one may find it difficult to breathe.
• Excessive Workout: Performing strenuous exercises often results in chest pain or back pain when breathing.

If breathing deeply hurts, then finding out the exact cause is necessary to determine the treatment.

• An impending heart attack can cause shortness of breath, profuse sweating, nausea, vomiting and chest pain.
• If symptoms like dizziness, confusion, blue in the face, chest or hands are noticed and if the person is unable to speak or sit, then one should call the doctor immediately.
• Wheezing
• Shallow breathing
• Trouble breathing deeply

• Tightness in chest and shortness of breath
• Panting or gasping for air as the lungs have to work harder
• Chest pain
• Back pain
• Shoulder or left arm pain
• Pain radiating throughout the abdomen, chest and back
• Stuffy nose, runny nose
• Sneezing, coughing, itchy throat
• Watery or itchy eyes

Simple home remedies such as keeping the head elevated can help relieve breathing difficulty due to cold or sinusitis. Having light meals, quitting smoking, avoiding alcohol can prevent the situation from aggravating. All emergencies should be handled cautiously and promptly. Difficulty breathing deeply should never be neglected and treatment should never be delayed.

Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only, and should not be substituted for the advice of a medical professional.