Difficulty walking up hills why is this

Written by Paul Scalise. Published February 23, You are done for the day, so you approach the elevators to get back to your car, parked on the upper level, but what's this? As you step away, feet pounding and legs aching from the hours of walking, a fearful thought dawns on you - you have to take the STAIRS! You approach the first step, unsure of your strength. You grip onto the railing unsteadily and begin the ascent.

The first few steps are uneventful, but after a few moments your knees begin to shake with fatigue. Your breath becomes heavy, sweat glistens on your forehead. You reach the first level, and take a moment to recover. You still have 4 more flights of stairs to go! You finally reach your car, load your bags, and begin your drive home. Your legs are throbbing from the stair climb, but your day is done.

As you make your approach back home, up a steep and winding hill, your car starts making weird noises — the sputtering and clunking sounds of a dying engine. The fear and thoughts from the stairwell re-emerge. I've taken the liberty of embellishing this particular scenario. Gradual progression is a simple concept: introduce smaller, more manageable activities with the goal of completing a bigger, more strenuous task. However, exposure to other types of air pollutants can also cause it. Doctors can treat mild cases of COPD with bronchodilators, corticosteroids , and antibiotics.

People with severe COPD and people who require hospitalization may require oxygen and bronchodilator therapy. Some people with COPD may need surgery, such as a bullectomy , or lung transplantation. Pulmonary embolism is a condition that occurs when the blood flow in the pulmonary artery becomes disrupted.

The most common symptoms of pulmonary embolism include :. There are many different causes of and risk factors for a pulmonary embolism.

It can be more likely in people who take particular types of birth control or during pregnancy, for example. If a person thinks they have pulmonary embolism, they should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Most people with pulmonary embolism can take anticoagulant medication, which should allow them to make a full recovery.

Interstitial lung disease ILD is a term that refers to a group of lung disorders that have similar causes. This condition may occur due to long-term exposure to environmental factors, such as toxic gases. ILD may also be the result of autoimmune conditions , certain medications, and other diseases, such as pneumonia.

Symptoms of ILD include:. Doctors may prescribe corticosteroids and immunosuppressive therapies. In some cases, people may need supplemental oxygen. People who experience shortness of breath may feel as though they need to take deeper breaths or breathe faster.

However, this can worsen shortness of breath, as the muscles have to work harder. Breathing techniques people can try to alleviate this symptom include :. If a person regularly experiences shortness of breath while walking, they should seek guidance from a doctor.

Doctors can diagnose the cause and offer most suitable treatment options. If a person is struggling to breathe or loses consciousness, it is necessary to contact emergency services immediately. There are many causes of shortness of breath, some of which may worsen due to physical activity, such as walking.

In cases where shortness of breath is mild, a person may be able to manage it by avoiding triggers and practicing breathing exercises.

In other cases, it may indicate an underlying medical condition that requires treatment. What causes shortness of breath, and is this issue treatable at home? In this article, learn about some home remedies that may help manage shortness…. Shortness of breath is known as dyspnea. It can be a symptom of a number of conditions, including asthma, COPD, and anxiety. Some of these conditions…. Shortness of breath is one symptom of anxiety.

Here, we look at why this can occur with anxiety, how to tell whether anxiety is the cause, and the…. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.

Although you usually do it without even thinking, breathing is a pretty complex process. Korin is a former New Yorker who now lives at the beach. She received a double B. Korin has been published in Read more. Topics asthma respiratory health.