Difficulty Breathing Severity, Adult or Older Child

Severe trouble breathing means: You cannot talk at all. You have to work very hard to breathe. You feel like you can’t get enough air. You do not feel alert or cannot think clearly. Moderate trouble breathing means: It’s hard to talk in full sentences. It’s hard to breathe with activity. Mild trouble breathing means…

Difficulty Breathing Severity, Adult or Older Child

Difficulty Breathing Severity, Adult or Older Child

Severe trouble breathing means:

  • You cannot talk at all.
  • You have to work very hard to breathe.
  • You feel like you can’t get enough air.
  • You do not feel alert or cannot think clearly.

Moderate trouble breathing means:

  • It’s hard to talk in full sentences.
  • It’s hard to breathe with activity.

Mild trouble breathing means:

  • You feel a little out of breath but can still talk.
  • It’s becoming hard to breathe with activity.

Credits

Current as ofJune 26, 2019

Author: Healthwise Staff
William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP – Emergency Medicine
Adam Husney, MD – Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD – Family Medicine

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