Dyspnoea may also be less fancifully termed as shortness of breath. In the medical sense, dyspnoea tends to refer to shortness of breath deriving from a medical condition and not caused by excessive exertion. Numerous conditions list dyspnoea as a possible symptom.

Some causes of dyspnoea are directly tied to the respiratory tract. For example those suffering from asthma, bronchitis or pneumonia may exhibit severe dyspnoea, suggesting the need for respiratory support. As well, viral illnesses like RSV and croup can also result in dyspnoea as a child struggles to breathe between violent coughing fits.

Emphysema, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may all cause the breath to shorten, and become strident. Usually dyspnoea is accompanied by a more musculature struggle to breathe, as well. One will notice the chest heaving up and down as the person struggles for breath. Obstruction or paralysis in the vocal cord region may be indicated by dyspnoea.

Cardiac conditions, as well, can result in dyspnoea. Congestive heart failure can result in shortness of breath. In some cases excessive shortness of breath may indicate impending heart attack, especially when accompanied by chest pain. Children born with congenital heart defects may quickly develop dyspnoea as a result of poor oxygen quality. Shortness of breath in a newborn should always be investigated thoroughly.

Pleurisy, which is swelling of the tissues surrounding the lungs and lining the rib cages, may result in severe dyspnoea, resulting in both difficulty breathing and pain when taking breath in. Usually shortness of breath is disproportionate to activity. For example, a walk up the stairs might feel like a two-mile run up a hill.

Those with severe skeletal malformations of primarily the spine or rib cage may also encounter breathing difficulties. As well, injury or paralysis of the spine or rib cage can result in chronic labored breathing.

Dyspnoea may also frequently be noticed in a person undergoing a panic attack. Those who are experiencing their first panic attack often mistake the struggle for breath as a far more serious medical symptom such as a heart attack. Usually dyspnoea of this kind can be resolved by breathing into a paper bag.

Since dyspnoea can indicate serious medical conditions, it is important to see a physician as soon as possible, especially when shortness of breath does not quickly resolve. Especially since prolonged shortness of breath can suggest severe heart or lung disorders, one should seek emergency treatment for those experiencing dyspnoea.