When to go to the ER for shortness of breath

It can be frightening if you feel like you can’t breathe; so when should you seek emergency care? The short answer is: if you’re concerned, we’re concerned. If the shortness of breath comes on suddenly or affects your ability to function, seek immediate emergency care at a Denver ER near you. Similarly, if you have asthma and a sudden attack is not responding to your rescue inhaler, head to the closest Denver ER immediately.

If you are unsure if your troubled breathing necessitates a visit to the ER, use the guidelines below.

When to seek emergency care for shortness of breath

Seek emergency care if your shortness of breath is accompanied by the following symptoms

• Abnormal and different discomfort
• Chest pain, fainting or nausea (could indicate a blood clot)
• If your shortness of breath does not respond to rest

Additionally, those with certain medical histories may require more immediate care. If you are experiencing difficulty breathing and have the following medical conditions, it may be necessary to seek emergency care:

• Bronchitis
• Chronic asthma
• History of collapsed lungs
• Pneumonia
• Tuberculosis

Common conditions treated at an ER for difficulty breathing

Common conditions treated at an ER for difficulty breathing include:

• Allergic reaction
• Asthma
• Blood clot in the lungs
• Heart attack
• Pneumonia

If you have difficulty breathing and any of the below symptoms, seek medical attention at your closest ER as soon as possible.

Allergic reaction symptoms include:

• Hives
• Rash
• Swollen airways
• Nausea

Asthma attack symptoms include:

• A whistling sound when you breathe out
• Persistent cough
• Difficulty speaking
• Paleness in the face
• Tightness in the neck and chest

Lung blood clot symptoms include:

• Sharp chest pain
• Accelerated heart rate
• Bluish skin
• Splitting up blood

Pneumonia symptoms include:

• Extreme fatigue
• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Enlarged lymph nodes in the back of the neck
• Muscle aches
• Sweating
• Pain in left arm
• Chest pain
• Dizziness
• Cold sweat
• Tightness in chest, arm and neck

Altitude sickness

Altitude sickness is not uncommon for people who are unaccustomed to an elevated climate like Denver. While altitude sickness is usually not worthy of a trip to the ER, it is important to keep in mind if someone you know is experiencing difficulty breathing and does not have some of these more serious symptoms.

If breathing problems are severe don’t take an unnecessary risk. Call 911 or head to the closest emergency room.

Helpful links

• Emergency Care