As per a study published in Respiratory Medicine, the prevalence of dyspnea in the US population, including other high-income countries, is nearly 10%. This percentage shows that a significant number of people are affected by the condition every year and require proper diagnosis and management of dyspnea.
Let us understand what dyspnea is, what are its causes, and symptoms, and how can it be effectively managed using the tools available at Health Supply 770.
What is Dyspnea?
Dyspnea, also known as shortness of breath or air hunger, is a state of being unable to breathe. The patient feels tightness in the chest which restricts the influx of air into the lungs. Gasping for air is common in this condition as the patient tries to breathe harder to take in some air.
Types and Causes of Dyspnea
Both acute and chronic dyspnea can affect a person’s respiratory system. Their symptoms vary depending upon the causes:
Acute Dyspnea
Acute dyspnea, like other acute conditions, starts quickly and is a short-lived state. Usually, it only lasts from some hours to some days. The causes behind acute dyspnea are the following:
● Anxiety
● Strenuous exercises
● Allergic condition
● Flu or common cold
● Heart attack
● Anaphylactic shock (i.e. narrowing of the airways)
● Pulmonary embolism (i.e. the condition in which respiration is suddenly blocked due to the presence of a blot clot in the lungs)
● Pneumonia
● Hypotension (i.e. low blood pressure)
● Foreign objects obstructing airways
● Collapsed lungs
● Exposure to high concentrations of carbon monoxide
● Hiatal hernia (i.e. protrusion of the stomach into the chest cavity)
● Multiple sclerosis (MS)
Chronic Dyspnea
Chronic dyspnea lasts much longer than the acute one. The patient does not feel shortness of breath at all times but the condition keeps coming back every few hours to a few days. The main causes of chronic dyspnea include:
● Anemia
● Asthma
● Lung infections
● Severe COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
● Interstitial pulmonary fibrosis
● Heart failure
● Pericarditis (i.e. inflammation of the pericardium, the layer around the heart)
● Arrhythmia
● Cardiomyopathy
● Obesity
● Lung cancer
Signs and Symptoms of Dyspnea
Dyspnea causes multiple symptoms in people which vary depending upon their health conditions. In general, the following dyspnea symptoms have been associated with the condition:
● The feeling of chest tightness
● Shallow breathing
● Shortness of breath after exercise
● Labored breathing
● Feeling of suffocation
● Increased heart rate (i.e. palpitations)
● Wheezing (i.e. a sound of whistling while breathing)
● Coughing
Management of Dyspnea in Daily Life
For dyspnea management, the following steps and lifestyle modifications are recommended:
● Breathing Exercises
By having a breathing exercise routine over time, one can strengthen the heart and the lungs. This way, stamina is built up which makes the lungs able to get in the air easily. One of the popular breathing techniques include pursed lip breathing in which the patient is asked to purse their lips as if they are about to whistle and then exhale slowly. These exercises are great for inspiratory muscle training thus easing breathing.
● Positioning Techniques
Certain sitting positions can also manage shortness of breath. For example, sitting in a chair with your feet flat on the ground while supporting your neck and shoulder muscles with one hand often eases breathing within a few minutes. Moreover, standing in front of a wall while resting your hips on the wall in a relaxed state is also one of the effective methods of managing air hunger in gas exchange abnormalities in addition to reducing respiratory muscle fatigue.
● Medications
If your dyspnea is due to a health condition like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma, your doctor will also prescribe you certain medications that need to be taken along with the dyspnea management practices.
● Oxygen Therapy
If the need arises, your physician can also recommend the use of supportive devices that can assist your breathing.
● Avoiding Pollutants
As the inhalation of air pollutants can start an air hunger attack, it is best to wear a mask when you are outdoors.
Diagnosis of Dyspnea
Dyspnea is diagnosed based on the following tests:
● Physical Examination
Physical examination is the first thing your physician will do. It allows the healthcare professional to check if there are some signs of allergy, common cold, or flu which can be the reasons for acute dyspnea.
● Blood Test
A blood test is recommended to either confirm or rule out anemia and iron deficiency which is usually the case behind shortness of breath.
● Chest X-ray
Your doctor might recommend taking a chest scan to see if there is a problem with your heart or lungs that is responsible for dyspnea. If you experience chest pain with dyspnea, then a chest x-ray is particularly helpful.
● Electrocardiogram
An electrocardiogram or ECG can be performed to detect if the cause of dyspnea is related to a heart condition.
● Computerized Tomography Scan
If the preliminary examination, X-ray, and ECG cannot reveal anything substantial, a computerized tomography scan or CT scan can be done. It can indicate the defects in the electrical activity of the heart.
● Spirometry Test
A spirometry test is done for the estimation of the lung capacity of a patient. This test is done to quantify the extent to which the lungs are working. For this purpose, a wide range of spirometers is available at Health Supply 770 at the best prices.
● Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test
Another test to estimate the lung capacity is the cardiopulmonary exercise test. The patient is asked to walk on a treadmill or use a stationary bike. The electrodes attached to the chest then indicate lung capacity.
Diagnostic and Management Tools for Dyspnea on Health Supply 770
When it comes to buying good quality medical products for the diagnosis and management of dyspnea, multiple options are available in the US market regarding the tools as well as the brands. But to purchase from a reliable vendor is necessary for getting top-notch medical supplies. The following sections provide a wide range of Health Supply 770 respiratory products:
Welch Allyn Inc. Spiro-S Spirometer, PC-Based W/CAL SYR
Product Details
Welch Allyn Inc. Spiro-S Spirometer, PC Based W/CAL SYR is used in to conduct essential pulmonary function tests. It has a calibration syringe with a capacity of 3 liters. The product also includes a SpiroPerfect sensor and pressure tubing. The system can be connected to the EHR through CardioPerfect Workstation Software which is provided with the device.
McKesson LUMEON Series Medsurg 785 Spirometer System, W/O Printer
Product Details
McKesson LUMEON series Medsurg 785 spirometer system is a latex-free diagnostic tool that comes with EasyWare software, a cradle, and four spirettes. Its batteries are long-lasting and once recharged, these can be used for 400 tests. The system does not need any calibration before use which saves time in addition to reducing the overall operating cost.
Moreover, the McKesson LUMEON spirometer is equipped with flexible EMR capabilities along with an automated quality control system. Its alpha-numeric keypad as well as the LCD makes the user experience easy and uncomplicated. The product can also be connected to a PC, laptop, or tablet during use.
105353 Electrocardiograph Recording Paper, 1000 Sheets 1000 CS
Price: $123.27
Product Details
105353 Electrocardiograph recording paper, 1000 Sheets 1000 CS is a high-quality thermal paper that makes sure the electrical activity of the heart is recorded both clearly and sharply without any faded areas. The material of the paper has high durability and does not tear easily. This ECG paper is compatible with multiple electrocardiography devices but it is best to check the specifications of the machine before combining the two. Overall, the product is efficient and extremely cost-effective.
ConMed Exactrace Wet Gel Foam ECG Electrode 600/CS
Price: $194.88 to $209.88
Product Details
ConMed Exactrace wet gel foam ECG electrode 600/CS is a product that offers adhesion and is attached to an electrocardiograph for testing the electrical activity of the heart. It provides a rapid detection of the cardiac signal which is of high quality. Moreover, the signal retention is quick. The system also provides stable baseline waveforms.
In addition, as the surface of the electrode is impervious, the penetration of the fluids into the electrode is restricted. Overall, the product provides maximum comfort to patients dealing with dyspnea during an ECG test.
KN95 Respirator Mask 95% Filtration Pack 5X2 (10)
Price: $35.88
Product Details
KN95 respirator mask 95% filtration pack contains 10 high-quality masks. These masks can filter out at least 95% of the particles which are 0.3 microns in size. Their multiple filtration layer feature includes a non-woven inner layer, a melt-blown middle layer, and a non-women outer layer, all of which work in combination to filter the air effectively.
The ear loops of this mask are adjustable and snug perfectly. The product is suitable for a single use and should be disposed of after use.
15310 Aspen Precept FluidGard Procedure Mask with Extended Shield 100CS
Price: $45.88
Product Details
15310 Aspen Precept FluidGard procedure mask with extended shield 100CS has a differential pressure of less than 6 mm H2O/cm2. Its bacterial filtration efficiency is greater than 98% which helps the user in getting extra protection against infections. The ear loops are adjustable. The mask is pleated and a non-sterile product.
It comes in an adult size which has been designed based on the principle of ‘one size fits all’. Moreover, the anti-fog features enable the user to wear the mask during all weather conditions.
Portable Oxygen Cylinder Tank Kit with Shoulder Bag Holder – Oxy-Uni-Pak
Price: $274.88
Product Details
Portable oxygen cylinder tank kit with shoulder bag holder – Oxy-Uni-Pak is a system that can provide oxygen therapy to a patient anywhere at any time. It is one of the best products which can be used on the go. The portability is high as the cylinder comes with a shoulder-carrying bag. The overall capacity of the cylinder is 425 liters. The device is often employed for aiding the respiratory system of patients dealing with chronic bronchitis, pulmonary edema, as well as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
D Cylinder Oxygen Tank Kit with Shoulder Carrying Case by Responsive Respiratory
Price: $281.88
Product Details
D Cylinder oxygen tank kit with shoulder carrying case by Responsive Respiratory is a portable oxygen cylinder that can provide oxygen therapy to patients dealing with respiratory issues. The cylinder is made up of aluminum which is reliable, long-lasting, as well as lightweight with a weight of only 10.23 ounces. The carrying bag has adjustable straps which makes it even more comfortable to lift the bag around. It is one of the best products which can be used at home or while traveling. People with different lung diseases use oxygen cylinders to ease breathing.
1L-4L/Min Portable Home Oxygen Generator Oxygen Car Travel Air Purifier Safety
Price: $399.99
Product Details
1L-4L/Min Portable Home Oxygen Generator Oxygen Car Travel Air Purifier Safety is a product that is portable and provides oxygen therapy to home-based patients dealing with respiratory problems. It comes with a 15 V (4 A) rechargeable lithium battery as a power source. The product does not produce much noise as it only generates a sound below 50 decibels (dB). The product has a nasal cannula, power cord, car charger, lithium battery charger, as well as an instruction manual in the carrying bag.
*The prices mentioned in the above section are taken from the Health Supply 770 website. These may vary based on the vendor you choose for making a purchase.
The respiratory products for the diagnosis and management of dyspnea mentioned in this article, along with many other medical supplies, can be purchased from Health Supply 770, a reliable name when it comes to medical products. They have a 30-day money-back guarantee and provide your products to you in the shortest possible time. Click the links given in the article to check the wide range of medical supplies on the website.
Conclusion
Dyspnea is a state of air hunger that affects a large number of people in the United States. Its causes can be traced back to increased air pollution, elevated chances of contracting a lung disease such as a respiratory infection, as well as having cardiac disorders.
Once properly diagnosed, the patients dealing with dyspnea need to modify their lifestyle in terms of including breathing exercises in their routine as well as avoiding triggers like cigarette smoke, etc. With the right management, dyspnea is not a condition that cannot be reversed. Rather, a person can get rid of the air hunger completely within no time.
For the diagnosis and management of dyspnea, a wide variety of tools are available at Health Supply 770. Purchasing medical devices from such reliable vendors ensures the provision of quality products along with satisfactory services.
References
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rmed.2023.107379
PhD Scholar (Pharmaceutics), MPhil (Pharmaceutics), Pharm D, B. Sc.
Uzma Zafar is a dedicated and highly motivated pharmaceutical professional currently pursuing her PhD in Pharmaceutics at the Punjab University College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab. With a comprehensive academic and research background, Uzma has consistently excelled in her studies, securing first division throughout her educational journey.
Uzma’s passion for the pharmaceutical field is evident from her active engagement during her Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) program, where she not only mastered industrial techniques and clinical case studies but also delved into marketing strategies and management skills.
Throughout her career, Uzma has actively contributed to the pharmaceutical sciences, with specific research on suspension formulation and Hepatitis C risk factors and side effects. Additionally, Uzma has lent her expertise to review and fact-check articles for the Health Supply 770 blog, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the information presented.
As she continues her PhD, expected to complete in 2025, Uzma is eager to contribute further to the field by combining her deep knowledge of pharmaceutics with real-world applications to meet global professional standards and challenges.
