It's easy to blame your age or joke that you're out of shape when you're struggling to catch your breath. But you shouldn't ignore respiratory problems. They are sometimes a sign of a serious health problem. The following symptoms, especially when they appear or do not disappear for no apparent reason, are often a sign that it's time to see your doctor for a checkup.

Cough

A strong wet cough can mean you have a cold or the flu. But if you also feel short of breath, it could be a sign of another condition, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). People with COPD have airways that are inflamed, clogged with mucus, or not functioning as they used to. Smoking is the leading cause of the condition, but inhaling secondhand smoke, polluted air, or toxic chemicals can also damage the airways. A morning cough can be an early sign of COPD. In severe cases, you may also notice weight loss or swelling in your ankles, feet, or legs. Coughing can also be a symptom of COVID-19. It is usually dry, but sometimes it comes with mucus. This disease caused by a coronavirus can also cause shortness of breath.

Panting

A high-pitched whistle when you inhale or exhale means your airways are constricted. This can be caused by asthma, but also by an infection or an allergic reaction.

Wheezing

Can also indicate that you have accidentally inhaled something and that it is stuck in the airway. Fast, shallow breathing you are stressed or very anxious, you will breathe faster and less deeply than usual. This is part of your body's fight or flight response. But if it lasts too long, it can lead to what is called hyperventilation or 'excessive breathing'. Makes you feel like you can't get enough air. If stress or anxiety often affects your breathing, talk to your doctor. You can try anxiety treatments or learn healthy ways to cope with stress so you don't run out of breath.

You get tired quickly when you are active

This could be a sign of anemia, a problem that occurs when you don't have enough iron. You need iron to help your blood carry oxygen around your body. If you don't have enough, you may run out of breath or experience chest pain while exercising. You may also feel exhausted, feel faint, or hear a thud in your ears. Low iron levels are common, especially for women, vegetarians, and vegans. However, the problem is usually easy to treat: you can eat more iron-rich foods (like lean meat, beans, or dark leafy vegetables) or take an iron supplement. Your doctor can help you find the best solution for you.

Sudden shortness of breath

It's normal to feel short of breath when you're more active than usual. But if you feel short of breath for no reason or suddenly, don't push it away. It could be a sign that there is a problem with your respiratory system or your heart. For example, an asthma attack can make it harder for air to get into your lungs. Shortness of breath that occurs out of the blue can also indicate a problem with the way your heart beats or pumps blood. If this happens to you, see a doctor immediately.

Chest pain

If your chest hurts when you breathe in and out, it doesn't always mean you've strained a muscle. Sometimes it's a sign of infection, like B. pneumonia. It can also be a symptom of a heart problem. Chest pain after a workout or stressful event may be due to angina, which is when your heart muscles don't get enough blood. Your doctor will want to know if you have these symptoms so they can test you to determine if the problem is likely to lead to other health problems, such as a heart attack. If you have chest pain that lasts longer than 15 minutes or spreads to other parts of your body, if you feel sick or sweaty, or if you are coughing up blood, you could be having a heart attack. Dial 911 immediately.