COPD
Some people call it “chronic bronchitis” or emphysema. Smoking causes it most often. It stretches out the air sacs in your lungs, making it hard for the lungs to move air. This makes it tougher to breathe. You might feel tightness in your chest and have a cough, sometimes with wheezing, that doesn’t go away. Your doctor can help you manage this serious condition. If you smoke, the most important step you can take is to quit smoking.
Heart Failure
It doesn’t mean your heart has “failed,” just that it’s not as strong at pumping blood as it should be. That makes it harder to get oxygen where it needs to go. Blood backs up in your lungs. That can make you short of breath. Simple things -when you climb stairs, walk a long way, or carry groceries – might tire you out. Your doctor can help you manage your symptoms.
