Dyspnea: Difficult or labored breathing; shortness of breath. Dyspnea is a sign of serious disease of the airway, lungs, or heart. The onset of dyspnea should not be ignored; it is reason to seek medical attention. QUESTION COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is the same as adult-onset asthma. See Answer From Lung Disease/COPD Resources Advances in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer TreatmentsCOVID-19 and Health Care for MinoritiesWhat Does COVID-19 Do to Your Lungs? Featured Centers Good and Bad Foods for PsoriasisVideo: Getting Personal on Life With MS Health Solutions From Our Sponsors Shot-Free MS Treatment Your Child and COVID-19