shortness of breath
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shortness of breath
The feeling of not getting enough air or only being able to breathe with difficulty. It is a medical symptom that can occur during exertion or as a sign of an illness.
Bei einer allergischen Reaktion kann plötzliche Atemnot auftreten.
During an allergic reaction, sudden shortness of breath can occur.
The word is made up of 'Atem' (breath) and 'Not' (distress/emergency). So it literally describes a 'distress situation while breathing,' which makes it easier to understand.
Nach dem Treppensteigen hatte er leichte Atemnot.
After climbing the stairs, he had mild shortness of breath.
Common verbs used with 'Atemnot' (shortness of breath) are 'Atemnot haben' (to have shortness of breath), 'Atemnot bekommen' (to develop shortness of breath), or 'unter Atemnot leiden' (to suffer from shortness of breath). Adjectives that often come before it are 'plötzlich' (sudden), 'akut' (acute), or 'stark' (severe).
Der Patient leidet seit gestern unter starker Atemnot.
The patient has been suffering from severe shortness of breath since yesterday.
When you want to describe a chronic or recurring condition, the construction 'unter Atemnot leiden' (to suffer from shortness of breath) is often used. This emphasizes the distressing aspect of the symptom.
Viele Asthmatiker leiden bei Anstrengung unter Atemnot.
Many people with asthma suffer from shortness of breath during exertion.
breath
'der Atem' and 'die Atemnot' are both connected to breathing. 'Atem' is the general word for the air you breathe in and out, or for the state after exertion, for example 'außer Atem sein' (to be out of breath). 'Atemnot' is stronger and more serious: you are not getting enough air or can only breathe with difficulty. This can happen during exertion, but it can also be a sign of illness. Learners may confuse the words because both describe similar situations. If someone is simply breathing quickly after climbing stairs, 'außer Atem' often fits. If someone is really having trouble getting air, 'Atemnot' fits.
Bei starker Atemnot sollte man sofort ärztliche Hilfe holen.
In cases of severe shortness of breath, you should get medical help immediately.
Nach den vielen Treppen musste ich erst wieder zu Atem kommen.
After all those stairs, I first had to catch my breath.