Difficult breathing, also called shortness of breath, characterized by tightness of the chest, distressed feeling of not being able to get adequate breath, and uncomfortable or painful inhalation ranging from mild to a sense of suffocation. Medications that can precipitate respiratory impairment include ACE inhibitors, NSAIDs, anticonvulsants, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, cholinergics, antihypertensives, antibiotics, antifungals, antimicrobials, antiretrovirals, digoxin, interferon, and chemotherapy agents. Also caused by substances such as cocaine, codeine, heroin, methadone, and propoxyphene.

Management may include re-evaluation of medication / dosage / interactions and careful monitoring during medication changes. In the event that medications causing dyspnea are unavoidable, such as in pain management and palliative care, additional support services can be provided. This includes supplemental oxygen, respiratory therapy, and pulmonary rehabilitation.