In-home care for shortness of breath.

Shortness of breath can be scary, but the qualified medical professionals at DispatchHealth can help. We’re here when you need us in a panicky moment.

Phil Mitchell MD, MS
Medically reviewed by Phil Mitchell MD, MSJuly 24th, 2019
DispatchHealth providers in the filed

Experiencing shortness of breath? We’re here to help

If you’ve ever felt shortness of breath, you know how scary it can be. That tightness in your chest, the aching air hunger—few symptoms are as alarming as these, especially when you’re unsure of the cause. And in a moment of panic, driving to a medical facility may not be possible. What if your medical professional could come to you? DispatchHealth provides urgent care when leaving your home just isn’t an option (or isn’t convenient). Our team of qualified medical professionals can perform almost every service for acute conditions that can be performed in a medical facility, whether you’re experiencing sudden shortness of breath related to an existing condition, like COPD or asthma, or due to an unknown cause. DispatchHealth can help you avoid long lines at the urgent care clinic and whopping health care facility bills. Download our app, give us a call, or request care on our website to let us know that you need help.

If this is an emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

When to seek medical attention

You might experience shortness of breath after a hard workout or exposure to harsh temperatures, but if your shortness of breath accompanies any of the following symptoms, you should get in touch with us immediately:

  • Swelling in the ankles or feet
  • A high fever along with a cough and/or chills
  • Wheezing
  • A worsening of your shortness of breath after using your inhaler
  • Your breathlessness doesn’t go away within 30 minutes of rest

Common related conditions

  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
  • Asthma
  • Anxiety Disorder
  • Congestive heart failure (CHF)

If left untreated

If left untreated, shortness of breath could lead to heart failure or a pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lung), depending on the root cause. DispatchHealth is here when you need us for treatment of non-life-threatening conditions—contact us today to request care at your home.

The DispatchHealth blog provides tips, tricks and advice for improving lives through convenient, comfortable healthcare.

Related Content

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

DispatchHealth offers in-home medical care for coronavirus (COVID-19). We offer comprehensive support and treatment for COVID-19 patients and their secondary conditions. If this is an emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

Join thousands of happy patients

  • It was Easter Sunday and my daughter was really ill. I called DispatchHealth desperately - and they were open! They came out right away.
    sharon F dispatchhealth patient.png
    Sharon F.
  • I’ve used DispatchHealth several times, and the care is consistently great. I feel totally confident calling them.
    michelle b dispatchhealth patient.png
    Michelle B.
  • They brought everything you would see in an emergency room, but the emergency room was our bedroom! They set up an IV. They knew what they were doing. And they were very personable. We never felt rushed. And the insurance covered it all. We didn’t have to pay a dime.
    marie a dispatchhealth patient.png
    Marie A.
  • I wasn’t sure if I should go to the ER. My doctor recommended DispatchHealth. It’s great for people like me who have COPD and other health issues. They tested my blood, ran COVID and flu tests, and even gave me IV fluids. Before leaving they sent a prescription to my pharmacy.
    steven l dispatchhealth patient.png
    Steven L.
  • They did the ultrasound right there with my Dad on the bed. Didn’t have to go to the emergency room or anything. And the results went straight to his doctor. Very professional, just seamless. And they were very caring and compassionate.
    vilma s dispatchhealth patient.png
    Vilma S.
  • It was wonderful to know that someone would come to the house within a few hours. Every experience we’ve had with them has been excellent. Whenever they leave, they know how grateful we are that they came to our house and helped us.
    marianne k dispatchhealth patient.png
    Marianne K.
Get expert care today in the comfort of home

Related Content