Hingamisraskusi

Hingamisraskusi is a Finnish-language term used to describe the sensation of breathing difficulty, or dyspnea. It is not a single disease but a symptom that can arise from a range of acute or chronic conditions. The term is commonly found in medical notes, patient information, and among healthcare professionals alongside related terms such as hingamisvaikeus or dyspnea.

Causes include respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, and lung edema; heart conditions such as heart failure or arrhythmias; anemia, infections, allergic reactions, anxiety, and severe obesity. Onset can be sudden, for example in an asthma attack or pulmonary embolism, or gradual in chronic lung disease.

Symptoms accompanying hingamisraskusi may include rapid breathing, shallow breaths, chest tightness, wheezing, a feeling of suffocation, rapid heart rate, fatigue, or confusion in severe cases. In severe dyspnea, there may be pale or bluish lips and skin.

Diagnosis typically combines patient history with physical examination and tests such as pulse oximetry, chest X-ray, blood tests, electrocardiography, spirometry, or CT imaging to identify underlying causes.

Treatment focuses on addressing the root cause and relieving breathlessness. This can include bronchodilators or steroids for airway diseases, antibiotics for infections, diuretics for fluid overload, oxygen therapy, and urgent emergency care for life-threatening situations. Prevention emphasizes managing chronic conditions, avoiding triggers, and seeking prompt medical evaluation for new or worsening symptoms.