

a blood clot in the lungs, known as a pulmonary embolism.

In this case, it could quickly become a medical emergency that needs urgent attention. Sometimes breathlessness starts suddenly. have cancer that affects the lungs or are having cancer treatment, like chemotherapy.are in an area with high levels of air pollution.experience anxiety, panic, or severe stress.experience a change in temperature, for example, going from a warm room to the cold outdoors.have a lung condition, like pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, or COVID-19.You might find yourself short of breath if you: Others may experience it over the long term - several weeks or more. Some people may experience shortness of breath suddenly for short periods. Problems with your heart and lungs can harm your breathing. Shortness of breath, or dyspnea, is an uncomfortable condition that makes it difficult to get air into your lungs.
