Question on shortness of breath and heart related problems..

K

Katielyn

New member
Hello..

Can someone give me some insight on how one can tell shortness of breath and asthma problems and shortness of breath having heart related problems? If it's heart related, do inhalers help? I was told no they do not if it is hear related but was hoping someone could give me some concrete answers on that.

Thanks so much!
 
1) Obviously, if you are having shortness of breath to the point that you have trouble walking or talking, go to the ER.

It's difficult to say what the cause is for sure. For one thing, both can produce chest pain, and both can act up when you exercise or in extreme weather. For another, there are many forms of heart disease, and they have different symptoms. Congestive heart failure may involve swollen legs, for example.

One clue is your age and health history. (Asthma is much more common than heart disease among children and young adults)

But no, an inhaler will not help heart disease. In fact, because it's a stimulant, it might worsen certain forms of heart disease.

Do you think you might have one or the other? A doctor putting a stethoscope on your chest might be able to tell the difference immediately.
 
Thanks for your reply. Do you think a long acting inhaler such as Syrabicort would help in relieving shortness of breath in the case of a heart attack or no?
 
No, definitely not. Syrabicort also has stimulant properties, and is also a beta-agonist, meaning it can speed up the heart rate. Someone having a heart attack should not have asthma medicines.
 
It would depend on the type of heart problem. Asthma drugs could be dangerous for someone whose heart was beating erratically or too fast. Other types of heart problems I'm not sure about.

If asthma drugs make you breathe better, then the shortness of breath was probably related to lung spasm (maybe asthma, maybe something more temporary)

If you are having trouble breathing and don't know why, this really is something you want to see a doctor about ASAP.
 
Just prior to being diagnosed with asthma, I had shortness of breath, chest pain, and sweating. I went to the ER and they kept me in ICU until they could rule out heart problems.
Later it was determined to be asthma related but if you have any doubt go to the ER. Heart attacks are nothing to wait on. Better yet, call 911 and go by arabulance. Heart problems can worsen quickly during an attack. EMT's respond very quickly, are trained, have medications, and are in contact with the hospital.
 
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