Difficulty Breathing — Which Doctor Should I See?

Seek immediate emergency care if you experience severe shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion, blue lips or fingernails, or if breathing difficulty comes on suddenly.

Common causes include asthma, anxiety, allergies, infections like pneumonia or bronchitis, heart problems, anemia, obesity, and deconditioning or lack of physical fitness.

Try sitting upright, practicing slow deep breathing, using a humidifier, staying hydrated, and avoiding triggers. Contact your doctor if symptoms persist or worsen over time.