If you've noticed that your teen has a hard time breathing or is huffing and puffing after very little activity, it can be quite scary. There are many things that could be causing your teen to be short of breath, but medical attention is essential because some causes can be quite serious, according to the FamilyDoctor.

Shortness of breath and fatigued, or tired muscles may be symptoms of a health condition. If your symptoms persist, cause you concern or interfere with your activities of daily living, contact your doctor for a medical evaluation.

Cigarettes contain more than 4,000 different chemicals, 50 of which are carcinogenic, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC. These chemicals cause both short-term and long-term damage to the body, especially the lungs. Some smokers experience shortness of breath due to lung damage.

Attributing shortness of breath to old age is a common misconception and could be dangerous if it delays medical evaluation of this important symptom. Smoking and alcohol abuse increase the risks for conditions that cause difficulty breathing, as do the use of some over-the-counter pain medications.

When a child is short of breath, it can be difficult for him to get the oxygen his body needs to operate correctly. Symptoms may include nostril flaring, grunting and rapid or shallow breaths. MayoClinic.com warns parents to take breathing problems seriously, no matter the cause.

There are many different conditions that cause chest pain. When you have chest pain accompanied by shortness of breath, the reason may be an underlying medical condition.

Any number of conditions can cause you to be short of breath and experience chest pain after you exercise. According to Medline Plus, some of those causes may be life-threatening, while others are not as critical.

Most people experience shortness of breath, a condition medically known as dyspnea, periodically usually due to factors like physical exertion.

Shortness of breath, also called dyspnea, refers to uncomfortable respiratory sensations. Numerous factors may contribute to or cause shortness of breath after eating, including heart problems, digestive problems and anxiety disorders.

Shortness of breath during exercise is your body’s way of telling you a number of things. Before you start any exercise program, especially if you’re overweight, haven’t exercised recently or have been diagnosed with a medical condition, you should get a complete physical exam from your doctor.

Indigestion and shortness of breath while eating may be signs of various conditions. Make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your symptoms and treatment options. A clinical diagnosis should be made before you attempt to self-treat your symptoms.

Cough and shortness of breath are common symptoms and sometimes indicate the presence of a serious underlying disease. These symptoms usually result from problems in your heart or lungs, but they can occur with other disorders as well.