Shortness of breath — often described in Hindi as saans phoolna — can be mild and short-lived or a sign of serious illness. A shortness of breath specialist, usually a pulmonologist, helps find out whether the cause lies in the lungs, heart, blood or elsewhere.
Quick answer: shortness of breath
- Gradually worsening breathlessness needs medical evaluation.
- Common lung causes: asthma, COPD, infections, lung scarring.
- Other causes: heart disease, anaemia, obesity, anxiety and deconditioning.
Common causes of breathlessness
| Group | Examples | Typical clues |
|---|---|---|
| Airway disease | Asthma, COPD | Wheeze, cough, triggers |
| Lung infection | Pneumonia, bronchitis | Fever, cough, phlegm |
| Lung tissue disease | Interstitial lung disease | Slowly worsening breathlessness, dry cough |
| Heart | Heart failure, rhythm problems | Ankle swelling, breathless lying flat, palpitations |
| Blood | Anaemia | Tiredness, pallor |
| Other | Obesity, deconditioning, anxiety | Breathless on effort, no other findings |
Warning signs to watch for
- Sudden severe breathlessness
- Breathlessness with chest pain or fainting
- Blue or grey lips
- Confusion or drowsiness
- Unable to speak in full sentences
How a breathing problem doctor investigates
After a history and examination, tests may include oxygen measurement, chest X-ray, spirometry, blood tests and sometimes CT scans or heart tests. Dr. Rakesh Singh Maurya, Pulmonologist & Critical Care Specialist in Prayagraj, evaluates breathlessness and coordinates further assessment where needed.
Meet Dr. Rakesh Singh Maurya
Dr. Rakesh Singh Maurya is a Pulmonologist & Critical Care Specialist in Prayagraj (Allahabad). He holds MBBS, MD and DM (Pulmonary Critical Care, VPCI Delhi) qualifications and is an Assistant Professor at MLN Medical College, Prayagraj.
He is associated with Kamla Multispeciality Hospital, Tagore Town, Prayagraj, where the hospital lists him among its critical-care specialists. The hospital's critical-care department provides care for serious conditions including respiratory distress or respiratory failure and offers respiratory support such as ventilator, BiPAP and CPAP management.
Clinic / Hospital
Kamla Multispeciality Hospital151/38 Anukul Chandra Banerji Marg, Opposite Banshi Bhavan Guest House
Tagore Town, Prayagraj
Uttar Pradesh – 211002
Hospital phone: 92502 40640
Additional contact: +91 92502 40640
Consultation clinic: 48 JLN Road, George Town, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh 211011
Frequently asked questions
Which doctor should I see for shortness of breath?
For ongoing or worsening breathlessness, a pulmonologist is a good first specialist; a physician or cardiologist may also be involved depending on the cause.
Which symptoms with breathlessness need prompt attention?
Breathlessness that is sudden or severe, or comes with chest pain, fainting, blue lips or confusion, needs prompt medical attention.
Can anxiety cause shortness of breath?
Yes, but lung and heart causes should be considered by a doctor before attributing breathlessness to anxiety.
What tests are done for breathlessness?
Oxygen measurement, chest X-ray, spirometry, blood tests, and sometimes CT scans or heart tests.
Is breathlessness while walking normal?
Mild breathlessness on heavy effort can be normal, but new or worsening breathlessness with everyday activity should be checked.
Can low haemoglobin cause breathlessness?
Yes. Anaemia can cause tiredness and breathlessness on exertion.
Looking for a shortness of breath specialist?
If you have persistent cough, recurring wheeze, unexplained breathlessness, repeated chest infections, asthma or COPD concerns, sleep-related breathing problems or another ongoing respiratory symptom, discuss it with a qualified pulmonologist in Prayagraj (Allahabad). Dr. Rakesh Singh Maurya, Pulmonologist & Critical Care Specialist, is associated with Kamla Multispeciality Hospital.
This article is for general educational purposes and does not replace an individual medical consultation. For appointments and current consultation information, contact the hospital or clinic directly.