Constipation, a common digestive problem, causes difficulties in having bowel movements. This may present itself in the shape of reduced frequency of bowel movements, hard stool almost impossible to pass without severe straining or a sensation of needing to have bowel movements even shortly after having had one.
Although it can produce pains within the stomach area, particularly if constipated over prolonged periods, it is not generally considered a cause of shortness of breath.
Shortness of breath and possibly accompanying pain can have a variety of causes, depending on severity and duration.
A sudden, severe shortness of breath combined with acute pain or tightness within the chest could be signs of a heart attack, pneumothorax, a condition where air gets in between the chest wall and lungs, a pulmonary embolism, in which a blood clot has moved into the lungs or a collapsed lung, known as atelectasis.
In either case, immediate medical assistance is required and 911, if resident in the US, or 999, for UK residents, should be called.
Episodes of short breath combined with coughing or wheezing may indicate asthma or an infection causing a narrowing of bronchial tubes. A doctor or emergency ward at a hospital should be visited immediately.
Prolonged shortness of breath which is gradually getting worse, especially after years of exposure to fumes, dust or cigarette smoke, indicates a possibility of chronic bronchitis or obstructive pulmonary disease and emphysema. A doctor should be consulted as soon as possible.
This is also the case breathing is harder when lying down and feet/ ankles are swollen, as this points to congestive heart failure causing a build up of fluid in both lungs and feet.
Sarcoidosis, or interstitial lung disease, pulmonary hypertension and lung cancer are other possible causes, and all of them need urgent medical attention.
Although it can produce pains within the stomach area, particularly if constipated over prolonged periods, it is not generally considered a cause of shortness of breath.
Shortness of breath and possibly accompanying pain can have a variety of causes, depending on severity and duration.
A sudden, severe shortness of breath combined with acute pain or tightness within the chest could be signs of a heart attack, pneumothorax, a condition where air gets in between the chest wall and lungs, a pulmonary embolism, in which a blood clot has moved into the lungs or a collapsed lung, known as atelectasis.
In either case, immediate medical assistance is required and 911, if resident in the US, or 999, for UK residents, should be called.
Episodes of short breath combined with coughing or wheezing may indicate asthma or an infection causing a narrowing of bronchial tubes. A doctor or emergency ward at a hospital should be visited immediately.
Prolonged shortness of breath which is gradually getting worse, especially after years of exposure to fumes, dust or cigarette smoke, indicates a possibility of chronic bronchitis or obstructive pulmonary disease and emphysema. A doctor should be consulted as soon as possible.
This is also the case breathing is harder when lying down and feet/ ankles are swollen, as this points to congestive heart failure causing a build up of fluid in both lungs and feet.
Sarcoidosis, or interstitial lung disease, pulmonary hypertension and lung cancer are other possible causes, and all of them need urgent medical attention.
