Emergency situations
Shortness of breath can occur anytime. It is usually difficult to know when your breathing difficulties have become severe enough for you to see a doctor or call 911.
Emergency situations occur in regards to Shortness of breath and other breathing problems if you:
- You faint or lose consciousness
- You are too short of breath to talk
- You can’t perform normal activities without shortness of breath
- Your feel like your heart is racing
- You feel as though your airway is block
- You cough up blood
- You become confused or disoriented
- Your throat feels swollen or like it is closing
- Have a bluish color to your skin, lips, or nail beds