How to treat shortness of breath

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Nguyen Huy Nhat - Respiratory Doctor - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Danang International General Hospital

Shortness of breath is a common symptom, which can be caused by infection with viruses, bacteria, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, cancer...all of which can cause difficulty breathing. So when this happens, what to do to reduce shortness of breath.

Deep abdominal breathing can help you control shortness of breath. To do this at home, you need:
Lie down, put your hands on your stomach. Inhale deeply through your nose, expand your abdomen and fill your lungs with air. Hold your breath deeply for a few seconds. Breathe slowly through your mouth until your lungs run out of air. Repeat for 5 to 10 minutes This exercise can be done several times a day, or every time you have trouble breathing. It is best to keep breathing slow, deep and easy, rather than fast.

Pursed-lip breathing is considered a simple technique to control shortness of breath. It helps you quickly open up your airways for easier and deeper inhalation and exhalation. At the same time, this technique also helps to remove the agents, or the status of stagnant air trapped in the lungs.
You can apply this technique whenever you feel short of breath, especially when you do strenuous work such as lifting, lifting heavy objects, climbing stairs.
To perform this technique, do the following steps:
Step 1: Relax, relax your shoulder and neck muscles Step 2: Place one hand on the abdominal wall Step 3: Inhale deeply through the nose for 2 counts, at In this case, the mouth remains closed and the patient feels the abdominal wall stretch slightly. Step 4: Pinch the lips (pinch the lips) to let the breath slowly escape between the lips, the abdominal wall gradually collapses.

Relaxing your body while sitting on a chair helps your mind and body relax, thereby helping you to breathe much easier.
This pose is done as follows:
Sit on a chair, soles of feet on the floor, chest slightly forward. Gently place elbows on knees or hold chin with both hands. Always keep your shoulders and neck relaxed

Inhaling steam can help clear your nose, making it easier to breathe. The heat and moisture from the steam can also dissolve mucus in the lungs, helping to relieve shortness of breath.
To inhale steam at home, you need:
Fill a bowl with hot water Add a few drops of menthol or eucalyptus oil Bow your face over the bowl of water, cover your head with a towel Breathe deeply, inhale the steam It is important to make sure that the water has cooled slightly after it has just come to a boil. Otherwise, the steam may burn the skin.

Many people suffer from shortness of breath while sleeping. This condition will cause you to wake up many times, affecting the quality of your sleep. Sleeping in a comfortable position will help you a lot in this case. You need to find a comfortable and supportive position to stand or lie down in, which can help some people relax and breathe normally. If the shortness of breath is caused by anxiety or overexertion, this method is especially helpful.
The following poses can reduce pressure on a person's airways and improve breathing:
Sit forward in a chair, preferably with your head resting on a table Leaning against a wall for back support Stand with your hands on the table, to put less weight on your legs Lie on your side, with a pillow between your legs, raise your head with 1 or more pillows to make you feel most comfortable, while keeping your back straight Lie on your back, straighten your back, prop your head up with 1 or 2 pillows (depending on it), and put 1 more pillow under 2 knees

Research has found that using a hand-held fan to blow air through the nose and face can help eliminate the feeling of shortness of breath. Feeling the force of the airflow while inhaling will help you feel like more air is entering your lungs. Treatment has been shown to be effective in reducing the feeling of shortness of breath
However, the use of a fan does not really improve when symptoms are caused by an underlying medical condition.

Drinking black coffee can help with shortness of breath, as the caffeine in coffee can reduce muscle fatigue in the respiratory tract.
Some studies have found that caffeine slightly improves respiratory function in people with asthma. This effect may be enough to make it easier for them to breathe. Besides, making lifestyle changes can also help you improve your health. By giving up the habit of smoking, staying away from secondhand smoke, allergens, and sources of air pollution, you can control your shortness of breath and reduce your risk of an asthma attack.

Another remedy to relieve nasal pressure, like breathing through the mouth, is ginger tea.
Ginger is an excellent healing ingredient and can be easily found at home. Peel and cut a few slices of fresh ginger in 2 cups of boiling water. Cover for 10 minutes, add lemon and honey and drink, you will find it easier to breathe.
If shortness of breath persists with serious complications, you need to see a doctor immediately to find out the exact cause.
If you have been diagnosed with asthma, don't forget to bring your bronchodilator with you every day to support your airways.
To prevent shortness of breath you need to find the cause and try to solve it if possible. Do not smoke, or seek smoking cessation counseling because common medical conditions that cause shortness of breath are more common in smokers. If you maintain a normal weight and exercise regularly, you are less likely to have shortness of breath.