Difficulty breathing can occur when the body's lungs or heart are
not working well.
Symptoms of moderate difficulty breathing
- Air hunger. The person feels like he or she
can't get enough air.
- Shallow or slightly labored
breathing
- Difficulty breathing at rest or after even mild
exertion
- Shortness of breath that makes speaking difficult
Symptoms of severe difficulty breathing
- Chest tightness so severe that the person is
worried being strong enough or able to keep breathing
- Shortness of
breath makes speaking almost impossible
- Severe
wheezing
- Anxiety, fear, agitation, or
restlessness
- Extreme drowsiness, difficulty waking up, or
responding slowly (lethargy)
