- Shortness of breath is often a sign of cardiovascular and respiratory disease and thus should not be ignored or left unattended. Both patients and family need to be aware of any changes in the breathing pattern.
- Patients with chronic diseases should take their medication as instructed by their doctor. If there are any changes in the condition of the disease, the patient should visit the ER or schedule an appointment as soon as possible to visit his/her corresponding doctor for the further examination and/or prescription alteration if necessary.
- When experiencing shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or noticing the lips or nails turn blue or gray, the patient should sit up and take long deep breaths. Stop any oral intake of food or water. Do not get out of bed. If having been previously instructed, give the patient oxygen or emergent medication for symptom relief and immediate seek medical attention.
- After adequate treatment for dyspnea, some patients may be discharged with new or changes in medication and scheduled for follow-up at the chest medicine outpatient department.
- Please return to the hospital as soon as possible if there are following symptoms：
- Persistent high fever
- Chest pain
- Cold sweating
- Lips or nails turning blue or gray
- Inability to lie down
- Rapid progressive leg edema
Managing Shortness of Breath or Difficulty Breathing
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