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What to do if…
you develop sudden, new shortness of breath

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy USA guide

Short answer

If the breathing difficulty is happening now, call 911. Do not drive yourself. If it has fully stopped, contact a clinician promptly for advice and call 911 if it returns.

Do not do these things

  • Do not wait to see whether ongoing or worsening breathing difficulty settles by itself.
  • Do not drive yourself while you are short of breath, dizzy, faint, confused, or unwell.
  • Do not lie flat if that makes breathing harder.
  • Do not take someone else’s inhaler, oxygen, or prescription medicine.
  • Do not eat or drink if you are struggling to breathe or swallow.
  • Do not exert yourself by climbing stairs, carrying things, or walking around unnecessarily.

What to do now

  1. Call 911 while the sudden breathing difficulty is happening. Tell the dispatcher your location, that the shortness of breath is sudden and new for you, and whether you can speak normally. If you suspect a severe allergic reaction and have your prescribed emergency epinephrine, use it immediately without waiting for symptoms to worsen.
  2. Use only your own prescribed rescue medicine as directed. This may include a rescue inhaler or prescribed home oxygen.
  3. Rest in the position that makes breathing easiest. Sit upright if lying flat makes it harder to breathe. Loosen tight clothing around your neck or chest.
  4. While waiting for help, unlock the door if you can do so safely, keep your phone available, and follow the dispatcher’s instructions. Ask someone to stay with you if possible.
  5. Tell the dispatcher or responders about chest pain or pressure, fainting, severe dizziness, confusion, blue or gray lips or skin, swelling of the lips or tongue, trouble swallowing, coughing up blood, new leg pain or swelling, recent surgery or reduced movement, long travel, or smoke or chemical exposure.
  6. Gather your medicines or a medication list, your allergies, and the time the symptoms started if you can do so without exerting yourself.
  7. Do not cancel emergency help without following the dispatcher’s guidance just because the symptoms begin to ease.

What can wait

  • You do not need to work out whether the cause is your heart, lungs, an allergy, asthma, or anxiety before calling for help.
  • You do not need to buy a pulse oximeter or try home tests first.
  • Non-urgent messages, work calls, and practical arrangements can wait until emergency help is underway.

Important reassurance

Sudden shortness of breath can feel frightening. Calling 911 is a reasonable response when breathing difficulty is new and happening now, even if the cause later turns out to be treatable.

Scope note

These are first steps only. Assessment, testing, diagnosis, and later treatment decisions may need help from a licensed clinician.

Important note

This guide provides general safety information. It is not legal, medical, financial, therapeutic, or other professional advice, and it does not provide a diagnosis or treatment plan. If you think you may be having a medical emergency, call 911.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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