Breathlessness or a Warning Sign?

Dr Aneez D.B. Ahmed, Senior Consultant Thoracic Surgeon and Medical Director at the International Centre for Thoracic Surgery, a member of Beyond Medical Group, was featured in Shin Min Daily on 15 July 2026, sharing when breathlessness may require medical attention.

Breathlessness refers to difficulty breathing or the sensation of being unable to take in enough air. Although it may occur after strenuous activity, breathing that feels different from usual should not be ignored.

Signs to Look Out For

A person experiencing breathlessness may notice:

• Becoming short of breath more easily than before
• Breathing faster or with greater effort during simple activities
• Tightness or discomfort in the chest while breathing

According to Dr Aneez, it is important to recognise changes from your usual breathing pattern. For example, medical attention may be needed when activities such as walking at a normal pace, climbing a short flight of stairs or speaking for an extended period begin to cause unusual breathing difficulty.

Breathlessness that persists or gradually worsens should also be assessed by a doctor, particularly when accompanied by fatigue, chest discomfort or a reduced ability to carry out daily activities.

This article is adapted from a newspaper feature. Publication details may be added once confirmed.