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How can you care for shortness of breath?
- Do not smoke or allow others to smoke around you. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.
- Get plenty of rest and sleep.
- Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine.
- Find healthy ways to deal with stress.
- Exercise daily.
- Get plenty of sleep.
- Eat regularly and well.
Shortness of breath: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You have severe shortness of breath.
- You have symptoms of a heart attack. These may include:
- Chest pain or pressure, or a strange feeling in the chest.
- Sweating.
- Shortness of breath.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Pain, pressure, or a strange feeling in the back, neck, jaw, or upper belly or in one or both shoulders or arms.
- Lightheadedness or sudden weakness.
- A fast or irregular heartbeat.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- Your shortness of breath gets worse or you start to wheeze. Wheezing is a high-pitched sound when you breathe.
- You wake up at night out of breath or have to prop your head up on several pillows to breathe.
- You are short of breath after only light activity or while at rest.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You do not get better over the next 1 to 2 days.
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The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.