Shortness of Breath: Causes, Chest Pain & Health Risks

What causes shortness of breath when walking, biking, or lying down? From low blood oxygen levels to vitamin insufficiencies, identifying the triggers for respiratory distress in teens and the elderly is essential.

Nurse helping elderly woman walk down hallway

What Are the Causes of Shortness of Breath in the Elderly?

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.

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