what causes shortage of breath
Shortness of breath can also have other causes including: 1  Anemia. 2  Dehydration (loss of body fluids and electrolytes, which can be life threatening when severe and untreated). 3  Diabetic ketoacidosis (life-threatening complication of diabetes). 4  Electrolyte imbalance. 5  Fluid overload. 6  Hyperventilation. 7  Kidney or liver failure. 8  Obesity.
Causes. Dyspnea is usually caused by disorders of the lungs or heart (see Table: Some Causes and Features of Shortness of Breath). The most common causes overall include. Asthma. Pneumonia. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).