The expert named non-obvious reasons for the appearance of constant shortness of breath.

Constant shortness of breath, which does not go away even at rest, can signal serious health problems. Dmitry Bulanov, Director of the Department of Pathomorphology and Clinical Cytology at the LabQuest Laboratory, Candidate of Medical Sciences, told Izvestia on May 8.

"Shortness of breath is not just a feeling of lack of air after exertion, but a symptom that may indicate disturbances in the functioning of the lungs or in the cardiovascular system," the specialist emphasized.

According to him, if the problem is related to the lungs, the causes may be chronic diseases such as bronchiectasis, pneumofibrosis or emphysema. Smokers are especially at risk, including fans of vapes and hookahs.

"They may develop pneumofibrosis covertly. In addition, some patients after COVID-19 experience fibrotic lung damage, which causes shortness of breath even months after the illness," the expert explained.

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Less obvious causes include interstitial pneumonia, which can be caused not only by viruses, but also by opportunistic pathogens. Contact with birds, especially pigeons, increases the risk of infection.

If shortness of breath is caused by heart problems, the most likely cause is coronary artery disease.

"Atherosclerosis, stress, hypertension and malnutrition accelerate the development of the disease, which eventually leads to heart failure," the expert warned.

In addition, he also drew attention to the effects of chronic stress, which provokes vascular spasm, increases blood pressure and eventually weakens the heart, creating a vicious circle.

"If shortness of breath occurs with minimal exertion or at rest, this is an urgent reason to consult a doctor. Delay can lead to a serious deterioration in the quality of life," Bulanov concluded.

Earlier, on January 29, Natia Chekhoeva, a gastroenterologist and endoscopist at the Gastro Clinic, told Izvestia that the systematic consumption of excessive calories inevitably overloads the body. This not only increases body weight, but also puts a strain on internal organs, including the heart, liver, and pancreas.