What Causes Difficulty Breathing?

Medically reviewed by George Krucik, MD, MBA
Medically reviewed by George Krucik, MD, MBA

177 possible conditions

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    Emphysema

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    Smoking is the leading cause of emphysema, a disease of the lungs that makes it hard to breathe. Learn more about how emphysema affects you and how it's treated.

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  2. What Do You Want to Know About Asthma?

    Asthma can make breathing difficult and cause coughing and wheezing. Learn about the different types of asthma here, such as bronchial asthma and allergic asthma…

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  3. What You Should Know About Choking

    This condition is considered a medical emergency. Urgent care may be required.

    Choking occurs when an object, a piece of food, or a liquid blocks a person's throat. Learn about some possible causes of choking and what you can do about it.

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    Heart Attack

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    This condition is considered a medical emergency. Urgent care may be required.

    During a heart attack, blood supply that normally nourishes the heart with oxygen is cut off and the heart muscle begins to die. Here's what you should know.

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  5. Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

    Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a chronic condition that affects the pumping power of your heart muscles. Often referred to as "heart failure," CHF occurs when fluid…

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  7. Everything You Need to Know About Pneumonia

    Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs caused by fungi, bacteria, or viruses. General symptoms include chest pain, fever, cough, and trouble breathing.

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    Anaphylaxis

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    This condition is considered a medical emergency. Urgent care may be required.

    Anaphylaxis can occur when you have a severe reaction to certain allergens. Learn what the symptoms are and what to do if this happens.

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  9. Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung)

    Pneumothorax is the medical term for a collapsed lung. This occurs when air is trapped in the space around the lungs. A collapsed lung can result in your chest feeling…

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  10. What You Need to Know About Abnormal Heart Rhythms

    This condition is considered a medical emergency. Urgent care may be required.

    An irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) is a change in the heart's beating pattern. There are many different types with different causes and effects.

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  11. What Is Pulmonary Edema?

    This condition is considered a medical emergency. Urgent care may be required.

    Pulmonary edema is a condition in which the lungs fill with fluid. It's also known as lung congestion, lung water, and pulmonary congestion. When pulmonary edema occurs…

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  12. Everything You Need to Know About Lung Cancer

    There are two main types of lung cancer: non-small cell and small-cell. Learn about how these lung cancers are caused, your treatment options, and more.

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  13. Congestive (Dilated) Cardiomyopathy

    Congestive cardiomyopathy, also known as dilated cardiomyopathy, is characterized by a weak, enlarged primary pumping chamber in the heart. This could be caused by…

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  14. Bronchiectasis

    Bronchiectasis causes symptoms like chronic coughing, coughing up blood, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Read about treatment options.

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  15. Deviated Septum

    A deviated septum may cause health complications such as difficulty breathing. Learn more about the causes, symptoms, treatments, and more.

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    Allergic Rhinitis

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    Allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, is your body's response to specific allergens. It causes uncomfortable symptoms like sneezing and itchy eyes.

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  18. Head Injury

    This condition is considered a medical emergency. Urgent care may be required.

    A head injury is an injury to your brain, skull, or scalp. This can range from a mild bump or bruise to a traumatic brain injury. Common head injuries include concussions,

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    Epiglottitis

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    This condition is considered a medical emergency. Urgent care may be required.

    Epiglottitis is characterized by inflamed tissue in your epiglottis. It's a potentially life-threatening condition. Learn who gets it, why, and how it's treated.

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  20. Empyema

    An empyema is a condition in which pus collects in the pleural space, which is the area between your lungs and the inner surface of your chest wall.

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  21. Respiratory Acidosis

    This condition is considered a medical emergency. Urgent care may be required.

    Respiratory acidosis occurs when the lungs cannot remove enough of the CO2 produced by the body. It is typically caused by an underlying condition.

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  22. Understanding Chronic Bronchitis

    Learn about the causes and symptoms of chronic bronchitis, how to get tested, and when to seek treatment.

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This feature is for informational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose. Please consult a healthcare professional if you have health concerns.

Medically reviewed by George Krucik, MD, MBA

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