What Shortness of Breath Says About Your Elderly Loved Ones

Posted: 6/9/2021 7:30 AM by Interim HealthCare
Filed under: breath, breathing, COPD, hard, of, shortness

As we age our bodies transform (sometimes for the better!), and some changes are expected.


But, there are changes that we don't expect or always understand. Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, and other lung-related issues can be some of these changes.

What is Shortness of Breath?

Clinically known as Dyspnea and colloquially known as "feeling winded," shortness of breath occurs when you can't get enough air into their lungs.

This is usually accompanied by the feeling that it's harder to inhale, causing quick and gasping breaths.
There is no way to predict shortness of breath: it can happen suddenly when you least expect it.

What are the Symptoms of Shortness of Breath?

No one person will experience shortness of breath the same, but there are a number of symptoms that could happen. Some people will experience tightening of the chest, difficulty breathing, or an intense feeling of being suffocated.

Others might experience severe coughing, shallow breathing, or wheezing.

Most individuals will experience some kind of labored breathing and heart palpitations (rapid, fluttering heartbeats).

Those who experience blue lips are especially at risk since that is a sign of not enough oxygen to your red blood cells or brain.

What are the Common Causes of Shortness of Breath?

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There are several causes, but the distinction between healthy and potentially ill seniors must be made.

For seniors with no known health problems, intense physical activity can cause shortness of breath. This could be their regular fitness routine or something different, like a vacation hike in the mountains.

High altitude is another common cause of shortness of breath since the air has fewer oxygen molecules than in lower altitudes.

Even temperature can change a senior's breathing: colder climates make it harder to take in oxygen, and warmer climates can just be dry.

Either extreme can affect how much oxygen an individual's lungs take in and use effectively. Pollution can also be a significant factor if the senior lives in specific cities or areas.

In a recent study by the University of Gothenburg, it was found that 30% of seniors suffered from shortness of breath during exercise.

This means that, although it can be expected in those 65 years and older, it doesn't happen to all seniors. So even healthy seniors should be cognizant of how often they find themselves short of breath.

This is mainly because shortness of breath is actually an indicator of potentially serious diseases.
So, how do you know if you are simply out of breath because of the environment or if it's an internal issue?

What Diseases Does Shortness of Breath Indicate?

Shortness of breath that can indicate serious health problems is something that happens suddenly. Usually, when an elderly person has a sudden onset of shortness of breath, they are unable to function for several minutes afterward. It's also an uncomfortable feeling.

Shortness of breath seems to be a common symptom of either lung or heart-related diseases. Since oxygen is so important throughout our bodies, filtered through the lungs and carried to our heart through our blood, this is not unexpected.

There are several known diseases that shortness of breath can be caused by:

  • Asthma
  • Pneumonia
  • Interstitial Lung Disease
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
  • Heart Arrhythmia
  • Heart Failure
  • Carbon Monoxide poisoning
  • Hiatal Hernia
If you or an elderly loved one is experiencing shortness of breath, it's essential to see a doctor as soon as possible. Many of these health conditions are manageable with proper care.

How is Shortness of Breath Treated?


Treatment depends on the cause: shortness of breath can indicate several different health issues that could be connected. If the reason is asthma or bronchitis, an inhaler or antibiotics will be prescribed by a doctor.

If the shortness of breath is caused by something more serious, such as congestive heart failure or COPD, there is a longer treatment time involved.

Regardless of the treatment, it's essential to keep a clean environment to reduce potential instances of shortness of breath. Accumulated dust encourages dust mites and makes it much harder to breathe. It's recommended to reduce the dust and potential allergens in your house through thorough cleaning.

Shortness of Breath in Home Health Care

Interim Health of Murrieta's compassionate, expert caregivers have the highest level of training.

Although they are not trained nurses (although some of them were in a past life!), they are able to help recognize changes in your senior loved one's health and routine. Many seniors will brush off problems, like shortness of breath, as simply "getting old."

Our caregivers are able to make suggestions to loved ones and to the seniors themselves when necessary. They are also there with the senior in case of emergencies.

Interim Healthcare of Murrieta's in-home caregivers serves seniors throughout Sun City, Lake Elsinore, Temecula, and Riverside County. Contact us today for a no-obligation, in-home evaluation!