Shortness of breath

It’s also one of the most common reasons people phone 999 for an ambulance.

It’s normal to get out of breath when you’ve overexerted yourself, but when breathlessness comes on suddenly and unexpectedly, it’s usually a warning sign of a medical condition.

The information below outlines the most common reasons for:

sudden shortness of breath long-term shortness of breath

This guide shouldn’t be used to self-diagnose your condition, but should give you an idea of what’s causing your breathlessness.


It’s normal to get out of breath when you’ve overexerted yourself, but when breathlessness comes on suddenly and unexpectedly, it’s usually a warning sign of a medical condition.

The information below outlines the most common reasons for:

sudden shortness of breath long-term shortness of breath

This guide shouldn’t be used to self-diagnose your condition, but should give you an idea of what’s causing your breathlessness.


The information below outlines the most common reasons for:

sudden shortness of breath long-term shortness of breath

This guide shouldn’t be used to self-diagnose your condition, but should give you an idea of what’s causing your breathlessness.