Shortness of Breath: Is It Asthma, Allergy, or a Cardiac Problem?
Shortness of breath, or dyspnea, is a common and sometimes alarming symptom that can come from different causes. The most frequent are asthma, allergies, and heart (cardiac) problems. Because these conditions can overlap in symptoms, proper testing is essential for an accurate diagnosis.
At 14 Street Medical Arts, our physicians specialize in identifying the true cause of shortness of breath through advanced testing and personalized care.
Asthma and Shortness of Breath
Asthma is a chronic condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways. This leads to wheezing, chest tightness, coughing, and difficulty breathing, especially with exercise or allergen exposure.
The main test for diagnosing asthma is the Pulmonary Function Test (PFT). This test measures how well your lungs are working by checking how much air you can breathe in and out and how fast you can exhale. Improvement after using an inhaler confirms the diagnosis of asthma.
At 14 Street Medical Arts, we perform in-office Pulmonary Function Testing to accurately assess lung function and guide effective treatment plans.
Allergies and Shortness of Breath
Allergies can also cause breathing difficulty, especially when nasal congestion and airway inflammation are present. Patients may experience sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes, or throat irritation.
To identify the specific allergens responsible, we perform Allergy Skin Testing. Small amounts of common allergens are applied to the skin, and a mild reaction helps determine which substances are triggering your symptoms.
Knowing your triggers allows our team to develop a personalized allergy management plan that helps reduce flare-ups and improve breathing comfort.
Cardiac Causes of Shortness of Breath
Sometimes shortness of breath isn’t caused by the lungs or allergies at all, but by the heart. When the heart cannot pump blood efficiently, fluid can build up in the lungs, causing breathlessness, especially during physical activity or while lying flat.
Heart-related causes may include heart failure, coronary artery disease, or arrhythmias. Tests such as electrocardiograms (ECG) and echocardiograms can identify cardiac issues early and help guide treatment.
When to Seek Medical Evaluation
You should see a doctor promptly if you experience sudden or severe shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure, wheezing not relieved by medication, or persistent fatigue or swelling in the legs. Early testing and diagnosis can prevent complications and lead to better outcomes.
Why Choose 14 Street Medical Arts
At 14 Street Medical Arts, our multidisciplinary team of board-certified physicians provides comprehensive evaluation and testing for shortness of breath. We offer Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT) for asthma, Allergy Skin Testing for environmental triggers, and Cardiac Testing for heart-related causes.
Our goal is to find the exact reason for your symptoms and create a customized treatment plan to help you breathe easier and live better.
Insurances We Accept
To make care accessible and affordable, 14 Street Medical Arts accepts a wide range of insurance plans, including:
Aetna
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Cigna
UnitedHealthcare
Empire (for New York State employees)
EmblemHealth (formerly GHI)
Healthfirst
Fidelis Care
Molina Healthcare
1199SEIU
Medicare
Medicaid
Workers’ Compensation and No-Fault Insurance
If your insurance plan is not listed, please contact our office. Our staff will be happy to verify your coverage and help you understand your benefits.
Take the First Step Toward Better Breathing
If you’re struggling with shortness of breath, don’t wait. Schedule an appointment with 14 Street Medical Arts today. Our experienced specialists in asthma, allergy, and cardiology will identify the cause and develop a personalized treatment plan so you can breathe and live better.
