Breathlessness after climbing stairs or feeling anxious is normal. The red flag is when the feeling lingers or is disproportionate to the activity.
“You should take note if you are still noticeably breathless more than 5 to 10 minutes after stopping a routine activity,” said Dr Aneez DB Ahmed, director at the International Centre For Thoracic Surgery, Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre.
Other red flags include breathlessness at rest or with minimal movement, and feeling the need to stop during activities you once managed easily.
Dr Chew Si Yuan, a consultant at Singapore General Hospital's Department of Respiratory And Critical Care Medicine, urges a doctor visit if you also experience: coughing for more than eight weeks, coughing up blood, wheezing, chest tightness, leg swelling, or unexplained weight loss.
What Causes Breathlessness?
Normal aging leads to a 20-30 percent loss of peak lung function by your 60s. However, faster-than-expected decline or accompanying symptoms may suggest underlying disease.
Possible lung-related causes include asthma, interstitial lung disease, bronchiectasis, COPD, and tuberculosis. Non-lung issues like congestive heart failure, anemia, and thyroid problems can also be responsible.
Smokers at Higher Risk
Smokers with a history of 10 pack-years or more should ask about spirometry. Those with 20 pack-years should consider lung cancer screening with a low-dose CT scan. Prompt medical attention for any new respiratory symptoms is critical.
“Current guidelines in many centres recommend this for individuals aged 50 to 80 with a meaningful smoking history,” said Dr Ahmed.