TROUBLE BREATHING THROUGH NOSE

Dyspnea or dyspnoea, or shortness of breath is a debilitating symptom that is the experience of unpleasant or uncomfortable respiratory sensations. It is a common symptom of numerous medical disorders, particularly those involving the cardiovascular and respiratory systems; dyspnea on exertion is the most common presenting complaint for people with respiratory impairment.

Dyspnea can be a worrying and disabling symptom for the patient. In order to assess the level of dyspnea, the doctor might ask the patient to rank the severity from 1 to 10. Alternatively a scale such as the MRC Breathlessness Scale might be used - it suggests five different grades of dyspnea based on the circumstances in which it arises.

1. No dyspnea except with strenuous exercise
2. Dyspnea when walking up an incline or hurrying on the level
3. Walks slower than most on the level, or stops after 15 minutes of walking on the level
4. Stops after after a few minutes of walking on the level
5. Dyspnea with minimal activity such as getting dressed, too dyspneic to leave the house

Some studies have suggested that up to 27% of people suffer dyspnea, while in dying patients 75% will experience it.