Becoming breathless from simple tasks could be sign of serious medical conditions
Becoming breathless while doing simple tasks could be a sign of serious medical conditions, not just obesity, experts say.
Researchers warn breathlessness could also be symptom for asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease such as emphysema and bronchitis, as well as heart conditions.
Woolcock Institute of Medical Research Professor Guy Marks said one in 10 people reported significant breathlessness in their day to day life.
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Breathlessness could be a sign of a serious condition, experts say. Nine
"Most people when they're well can walk on level ground at a steady pace and not get breathless," Marks said.
"It's important that people not automatically assume that their breathlessness is either due to advancing age or to obesity."
New Australian research reveals obesity accounts for about one quarter of people suffering from shortness of breath.
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Obesity only counts for one quater of breathlessness issues. Nine
The rate of obesity has risen in the last decade, with 17.5 per cent of the population classified as obese in 2007, compared with 31 per cent in 2018.
Marks is warning Australians not to dismiss their symptoms as the rate of obesity grows.
Experts are urging people who suffer from a shortness of breath to be properly assessed by a doctor to screen for any underlying causes.
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