Pneumonia treated with antibiotics often goes away and causes no long-term effects. Shortness of breath due to lung cancer may result in death. Heart attacks and congestive heart failure may cause serious disability and limit a person's ability to perform normal activities. Most causes of shortness of breath are not contagious and pose no risk to others. But if the cause is an infection like pneumonia , it may be contagious.
Treatment is directed at the cause.
For example, asthma , congestive heart failure , and emphysema are usually treated with regular medications to prevent shortness of breath. Lung or blood infections are often treated with antibiotics. Lung cancer may require surgery, radiation therapy , or chemotherapy . People with anemia , or low blood counts, may need a blood transfusion . All medications have possible side effects.