Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath (dyspnea) can stem from many causes — from asthma and COPD to heart conditions and deconditioning. Our pulmonary specialists systematically evaluate your breathing to find the cause and get you relief.
What Patients Experience
Exertional Dyspnea
Getting winded during activities that used to be easy — walking, climbing stairs, or exercise.
Resting Breathlessness
Feeling short of breath even when sitting still or lying down.
Chest Tightness
A feeling of constriction or pressure in the chest that limits breathing.
Wheezing
A whistling sound when breathing, often indicating airway narrowing.
Activity Limitation
Avoiding activities because of fear of breathlessness or inability to keep up.
Sleep Disruption
Waking up at night gasping or needing to sit up to breathe comfortably.
Why See a Specialist?
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Shortness of breath has dozens of potential causes — a pulmonologist can identify yours efficiently.
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Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) can reveal conditions that standard X-rays miss.
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Early diagnosis of conditions like COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, or pulmonary hypertension is critical.
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A specialist can differentiate cardiac from pulmonary causes and coordinate appropriate care.
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Unexplained shortness of breath warrants thorough evaluation to rule out serious conditions.
Our Approach
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Comprehensive clinical history focusing on onset, triggers, duration, and associated symptoms.
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Full pulmonary function testing including spirometry, lung volumes, and diffusion capacity.
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Oximetry testing — both at rest and with exertion — to evaluate oxygen levels.
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Imaging studies (chest X-ray, CT) when indicated to evaluate lung structure.
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Cardiopulmonary exercise testing for complex or unexplained cases.
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Personalized treatment plan targeting the specific cause of your breathing difficulty.
Fast Access. Clear Answers.
< 24 hrs
Response time
< 7 days
Appointment access
2 locations
Garden City & Novi
Board-Certified Specialists
Our physicians — Dr. Amin Pasha, MD, FCCP and Dr. Furqan Siddiqi, MD, FCCP — are fellowship-trained pulmonary and sleep medicine specialists with expertise in diagnosing and treating complex respiratory conditions.
Insurance: Medicare, Medicaid, Commercial Plans, Workers' Comp
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I see a doctor for shortness of breath?
You should see a pulmonary specialist if you experience shortness of breath that is new, worsening, occurs at rest, limits your daily activities, or is accompanied by chest pain, wheezing, or coughing up blood. Sudden severe shortness of breath is a medical emergency.
What causes shortness of breath?
Common causes include asthma, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, heart failure, anemia, obesity, deconditioning, and anxiety. A pulmonary specialist can perform targeted testing to identify the specific cause in your case.
What tests are done for shortness of breath?
A typical evaluation includes pulmonary function tests (spirometry, lung volumes, diffusion capacity), pulse oximetry, chest imaging (X-ray or CT scan), and sometimes cardiopulmonary exercise testing or echocardiography.
Can shortness of breath be treated?
Yes, in most cases. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include inhalers, oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, medication adjustments, or referral to other specialists. Early diagnosis leads to better outcomes.
Do you evaluate shortness of breath in Garden City, Novi, and Taylor?
Yes. Our board-certified pulmonary specialists at Pulmonary & Sleep Experts PLLC provide comprehensive breathing evaluations at our Garden City, Novi, and Taylor, Michigan locations.
Don't Wait — Get Expert Care
Take the first step toward better breathing and restful sleep.