Shortness of breath linked to many ailments
Readers ask why mountain air and a history of smoking relate to breathlessness. Dr Roach explains that high lung capacity can occur with emphysema or alpha1 antitrypsin deficiency but breathing trouble may reflect heart disease or anemia. Regional factors like thin air can worsen symptoms. He cites COPD, DLCO tests, and imaging for diagnosis and notes a COPD booklet for readers.