Why the sudden shortness of breath

[KiraB]

Lately I am constantly getting short of breath... It's eally scary because it happens when I'm walking in my home, outdoors for exercise or even sex. I just feel exhausted. I also notice that when I wear a sports bra or a regular bra if I get shortness of breath I'll just pull the bra part that is between my breasts and it does seem to feel better, but why is this suddenly happening to me. I also noticed that I am tired a lot and it's very overwhelming and sometimes very hard to catch my breath. I'm anemic, but have NEVER had this issue before. PLEASE HELP... It's SO scary.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
Breathlessness can be due to several causes. The commonest cause is anemia. Since you have anemia—this is the first suspect, and in app probability your hemoblobin and iron levels have fallen quite low. Low hemoglobin means that blood cannot carry oxygen and thus you feel breathless/suffocating etc.
It can also be due to asthma like conditions, bronchitis (this should be evaluated further), high blood pressure, diabetes, hypothyroidism or obesity. Certain heart conditions too can cause breathlessness like mitral valve prolapse, high pulmonary artery pressure etc. Stress and anxiety too can be a cause and so also gastric reflux. What is important is to find out whether you are breathless all the time or is it due to exertion. At times certain triggers can cause breathlessness like a visit to a dusty area, using the blower of a vacuum cleaner, visit to a garden with flowers, perfumes, sprays etc. This is a type of allergic asthma and avoiding allergens will help take care. Spirometry test is usually normal unless done during the ‘attack’.  The best thing would be to consult a general practitioner or PCP and try and assess what is the cause of your problem. Then proper referral for concerned specialist can take things further and get you proper treatment.
Since I cannot examine you and know other related conditions you may be having, nor is a detailed history possible on net, I have listed the various possibilities that should be looked into. Please consult your PCP for primary examination followed by proper referral prefer.
Take care!

[Londres70]

You should have some labs done, i.e. iron panel, cbc and bmp.  Anemia can cause the symptoms you have.  It would not be a bad idea to have a cxr (chest x-ray) done.  

Is the anemia being treated with meds?  

[caregiver222]

Needless to say you require a pulmonary evaluation - in person.

After a routine x-ray they will (most likely) subject you to what is called a "bronchial challenge" and have you inhale nebulized methacholine or a histamine, which will provoke bronchoconstriction. You will breath in and out of a machine which will measure the volumes of air.

While it is possible there is a cardiac etiology (cardiac asthma is due to left heart failure), this is highly unlikely at your age. It sounds like asthma, which is essentially due to an overactive immune system in the lungs.

You will probably be prescribed a so-called "emergency inhaler" containing aerosolized albuterol sulfate. In addition, you may be prescribed inhaled medications, such as Foradil, or a medication containing a mild steroid.

Anemia could also cause this problem, and there are various causes of anemia. Women are especially prone. Shortness of breath can occur when the hematocrit drops below thirty. Normal for a male is around forty-six. Female norms are slightly lower.

So you need to determine the cause of your anemia and treat the problem accordingly. Anemia can be very complex, and result from simple iron deficiency, or more ominously, diseases of the bone marrow. A hematological consult is in order.

Please arrange for a complete medical evaluation in the near future.

[MoanaGirl]

You need to see a doctor.  It could be stress or anxiety related or it could be something more serious like a heart or lung problem.  Don't take a chance and get it checked.