Labored

Labored refers to a type of breathing that is strenuous, difficult, or heavy. It is often a symptom of various medical conditions, including respiratory diseases, heart diseases, and neurological disorders. Labored breathing can be a serious medical emergency that requires immediate attention.

Causes of Labored Breathing[edit | edit source]

Labored breathing can be caused by a variety of conditions, including:

Asthma: A chronic condition that inflames and narrows the airways, causing difficulty in breathing.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): A group of lung diseases that block airflow and make it difficult to breathe.
Pneumonia: An infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, which may fill with fluid.
Heart failure: A condition in which the heart can't pump enough blood to meet the body's needs, causing shortness of breath.
Pulmonary edema: A condition caused by excess fluid in the lungs, which can result in difficulty breathing.

Symptoms of labored breathing can vary depending on the underlying cause, but may include:

Treatment for labored breathing depends on the underlying cause. It may include:

Medications: Such as bronchodilators for asthma or diuretics for heart failure.
Oxygen therapy: To help ensure the body gets the oxygen it needs.
Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be needed to treat the underlying condition causing labored breathing.