Being short of breath – what is normal and when should I seek urgent care?

If you feel very short of breath you should immediately see your doctor. However, after a PE, you may have lung infarction/scarring/tissue damage which can affect breathing for some time. Most pain should go away in a couple of days, but shortness of breath can last for weeks. If symptoms do not go away within a few weeks, or if they worsen, you should call your doctor.