What Causes Shortness Of Breath While Talking?

Posted on Thu, 26 Jun 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 26 Jun 2014 Answered on

Wed, 16 Jul 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I am having shortness of breath while talking.I think it is mainly due to anxiety.But i get them even when i am not anxious.I can't even finish a sentence properly when it occurs.In addition to this i also have lump in the throat feeling and hoarseness.When i am really anxious i could feel heat radiating into throat and arms.Kind suggest me a treatment for my condition.

Answered by Dr. Shashi Dangwal (25 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It could be anxiety or something else.

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXX,

Your breathlessness could be because of anxiety as mentioned by you, but before concluding that, it is must to rule out any other cause of breathlessness.

You haven't given much details but are you are allergic to dust and smoke or any thing else because it could be asthma. Are you a smoker? Have you any history of any heart disease? Are you anaemic? These are some of the common causes of breathlessness.

I suggest you consult a pulmonologist or a general physician who will have a complete look at you, examine you and if required, get necessary tests done to establish the cause of breathlessness and advise you accordingly.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar