Health experts are urging Nigerians not to ignore persistent shortness of breath, warning that ongoing difficulty breathing may be an early sign of a serious medical condition that requires prompt evaluation and treatment.
According to medical professionals, shortness of breath occurs when a person feels unable to get enough air or finds it difficult to breathe normally. While breathlessness during intense physical activity is often normal, difficulty breathing that occurs at rest, with minimal activity, or continues for an extended period should not be dismissed.
Doctors explain that persistent shortness of breath can be caused by a variety of health conditions, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, heart failure, anaemia, blood clots in the lungs, allergic reactions, and certain lung or heart diseases. Identifying the underlying cause is essential for effective treatment.
Health experts note that breathlessness may be accompanied by other symptoms such as chest pain, persistent cough, wheezing, fever, swelling of the legs, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, or coughing up blood. These symptoms can provide important clues about the underlying condition and, in some cases, may indicate a medical emergency.
Medical professionals advise individuals to seek immediate medical attention if shortness of breath develops suddenly, is severe, or is associated with chest pain, blue lips or fingertips, confusion, loss of consciousness, or difficulty speaking. Prompt treatment can be lifesaving in these situations.
Doctors caution against self-medicating with inhalers, antibiotics, or herbal remedies without a proper medical diagnosis. Using the wrong treatment may delay appropriate care and allow the underlying condition to worsen.
Experts recommend avoiding tobacco products and exposure to second-hand smoke, maintaining good indoor air quality, staying physically active within individual limits, and keeping chronic conditions such as asthma and heart disease under proper medical control to help protect respiratory health.
Health professionals also encourage people with existing lung or heart conditions to attend regular follow-up appointments, take prescribed medications as directed, and seek medical advice if they notice worsening symptoms or changes in their breathing.
Doctors explain that diagnosing the cause of persistent shortness of breath may involve a physical examination, blood tests, chest imaging, lung function tests, heart evaluations, or other investigations depending on the patient’s symptoms and medical history.
Medical experts conclude that persistent shortness of breath should never be ignored. They encourage Nigerians to seek timely medical evaluation whenever breathing difficulties persist or worsen, noting that early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can prevent complications and improve long-term health outcomes.
