True shortness of breath is a feeling that you cannot get enough air or that you are smothering.
Chest wall pain may cause rapid, shallow breathing, but it does not cause true shortness of breath. The discomfort will subside as your pain improves.
Credits
| Author | Jan Nissl, RN, BS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine |
| Last Updated | April 27, 2007 |
Author:Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Last Updated: 04/27/2007
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