The wait times in our emergency departments are longer than usual due to illnesses like RSV and the flu. View our estimated ED wait times and learn more about where to get care for your sick child.

Patient & Family Education Materials

Start over with a New Search

Article Translations: (Spanish)

May also be called: Shortness of Breath; Breathing Difficulty; Breathlessness

Dyspnea (disp-NEE-uh) is difficult or labored breathing.

More to Know

Many things can trigger an episode of dyspnea, including respiratory tract infections, asthma, exercise, stress, allergic reactions, higher altitudes, obesity, and certain medications.

A small amount of breathing difficulty can be expected from time to time and usually is not a cause for concern.

Keep in Mind

Dyspnea is a common condition and most episodes of breathing difficulty are brief. If breathing difficulty is severe, persists, or flares up regularly, it could be a sign of a more serious medical condition and should be checked out by a doctor.

All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts.

Back To Top

Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.

© 1995-2025 KidsHealth ® All rights reserved. Images provided by iStock, Getty Images, Corbis, Veer, Science Photo Library, Science Source Images, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com