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Causes And Home Remedies For Shortness Of Breath

Shortness of breath or suffocation can be frightening for everyone. Sometimes it is more due to sudden fear than the underlying respiratory cause. It is also called dyspnea is an uncomfortable condition that makes our lungs weak to get full air.

The current condition of the COVID-19 pandemic makes this dyspnea more dangerous and dreadful. Though all dyspnea conditions are not related to COVID-19 infection, it is always necessary to be extra cautious about these symptoms.  

Some people may experience shortness of breath suddenly for a short period. Others may feel it over the long term – several weeks or more. Also, this happens even after climbing a few sets of stairs or when suffering from a cold.

Did You Know?

Causes and Triggering Factors of Shortness of Breath

Shortness of breath is an alarming symptom and a person should always visit his/her physician at the earliest if he/she experiences shortness of breath (it can be life-threatening); a timely intervention by a physician can avert severe morbidity or mortality.

Dr. Nikhil Yadav MBBS MD, CCEBDM

Home Remedies For Shortness Of Breath

If your dyspnea isn’t severe, then you could try several types of home treatments. Here are some home remedies that you can try when your symptoms are manageable.

1. Sitting forward 

 Leaning forward while sitting may help relax your body and makes you breathe easily. This position releases pressure over your lungs and heart. 

 Whenever you feel breathlessness, you may try this position by sitting in a chair with your feet flat on the floor, leaning your chest slightly forward. Keep your shoulder and neck muscles relaxed. 

2. Deep breathing 

 Breathing deeply by using your abdominal muscle may help to manage your breathlessness. Lie down over a plane surface and place your hands over your abdomen. Breathe in deeply through the nose. Then hold this position for some time before exhaling out. People can also try diaphragmatic breathing. 

3. Pursed lip breathing

 It is one of the simplest breathing exercises that help quickly slow your pace of breathing. It is useful if shortness of breath is due to anxiety. 

 Before it relaxes your neck and shoulder muscles. Then, breathe slowly through your nose for two counts, keeping your mouth closed. Purse your lips as if you’re about to whistle. Then breathe out slowly and gently through your pursed lips to the count of four.

4. Sleeping in a relaxed position

 Many people may experience shortness of breath while they are sleeping straight. For those, you need to sleep in a propped position. It helps relax your body and airways.

5. Stem inhalation 

 Sometimes breathlessness may be caused due to the accumulation of thick mucus in the airways. It obstructs breathing easily. Steam inhalation may liquefy the thick mucus and help ease the breathlessness. 

6. Black coffee 

 Drinking black coffee may reduce your breathlessness due to the presence of caffeine in it. Caffeine works as a relaxant to the airway muscles. A study result suggests that caffeine slightly improves breathlessness in an asthmatic patient.   

7. Ginger

Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce lung inflammation. Drinking warm ginger tea or water may help you to calm yourself and breathe easily. 

8. Turmeric 

Turmeric has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that keep you away from all infections. We used to drink turmeric milk since our childhood whenever we have some respiratory illnesses. Turmeric packed with oodles of curcumin – the active principle that helps ward off allergic responses and the release of histamine. All these qualities of turmeric can help reduce breathlessness. 

 According to a study, curcumin may diminish the intensity of an attack and stave off episodes in an asthmatic patient. 

9. Onion 

Quercetin found in onions fights off allergy-triggered gasping and breathlessness. It is a powerful, natural antihistamine that inhibits the synthesis of compounds that trigger an allergic reaction and shortness of breath. It also contains sulfur compounds that keep respiratory infections away.  

Asthmatics should grate half an onion, blend with generous amounts of honey and consume it once every day. You could also cut an onion in half and leave it by your bedside; it ensures that you breathe easily through the night.

10. Omega-3 fatty acids 

 Omega-3 fatty acid foods such as fish-salmon and tuna help deal with breathlessness. They help prevent inflammatory conditions that could set off shortness of breath.

Shortness of breath can result from conditions affecting the lungs or heart and it is critical not to ignore this symptom. Seeking a physician’s advice for clinical examination is necessary to determine the underlying cause of the problem, as treatment options will depend entirely on the diagnosis.

Dr. Arpit Verma MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

Lifestyle changes to avoid shortness of breath

Before you experience shortness of breath due to any reason, it is best to make some lifestyle changes so that you never have to see that day. Here are some you can incorporate from tomorrow:

Also Read: What is Hyperventilation: Understanding the Medical Definition and Symptoms

When to visit a doctor

There is a multitude of shortness of breath reasons the internet can throw at your face. Hence, it is always best to visit your doctor whenever you experience the following symptoms:

Read more about: Do You Know The Foods That Are Good For Your Lungs?

FAQs

What causes shortness of breath?

Shortness of breath can be caused by various factors, such as respiratory infections, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart conditions, anxiety, anaemia and obesity. It’s essential to identify the underlying cause through medical evaluation to determine the appropriate treatment.

When is shortness of breath considered a medical emergency?

Shortness of breath can be a medical emergency if it is sudden, severe and accompanied by other symptoms like chest pain, confusion, bluish lips or nails or an inability to speak. These signs may indicate a serious condition, such as a heart attack or pulmonary embolism, requiring immediate medical attention.

How is shortness of breath diagnosed?

The diagnosis of shortness of breath involves a comprehensive medical evaluation, which may include physical examination, medical history review, chest X-rays, pulmonary function tests, electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), blood tests and other specialized tests depending on the suspected cause.

Can anxiety or panic attacks cause shortness of breath?

Yes, anxiety or panic attacks can lead to shortness of breath. During an anxiety episode, individuals may hyperventilate, resulting in a feeling of breathlessness. Learning stress-reducing techniques and seeking professional help can manage anxiety-related breathing difficulties.

What are some home remedies for shortness of breath?

Home remedies for shortness of breath include deep breathing exercises, maintaining good posture, avoiding triggers like allergens and irritants, using a humidifier, staying well-hydrated and avoiding smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke. However, it’s essential to seek medical advice if shortness of breath persists or worsens.

Can certain medications cause shortness of breath?

Yes, some medications can lead to shortness of breath as a side effect. For instance, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors and some pain medications may cause breathing difficulties in some individuals. If experiencing any new symptoms after starting a medication, consult a healthcare professional promptly.

Can shortness of breath be a sign of anaemia?

Yes, anaemia, a condition characterized by low red blood cell count or low haemoglobin levels, can lead to reduced oxygen-carrying capacity in the blood, causing shortness of breath and fatigue. Anaemia should be evaluated and treated by a healthcare professional.

Can obesity cause shortness of breath?

Yes, obesity can contribute to shortness of breath. Excess weight puts pressure on the lungs and diaphragm, making breathing more challenging. Losing weight through a combination of a balanced diet and regular exercise can help improve breathing in obese individuals.

When should I see a doctor for shortness of breath?

If you experience unexplained or persistent shortness of breath, especially if it affects daily activities, seek medical attention promptly. Additionally, if shortness of breath is accompanied by chest pain, coughing up blood or any other concerning symptoms, seek immediate medical help as it could indicate a serious medical condition.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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Never Too Early, Never Too Late – Treatment Of COPD


What Is COPD?

COPD stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This is the name used to describe a number of conditions including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Emphysema affects the air sacs in your lungs (alveoli), and chronic bronchitis affects your airways (bronchi). COPD is a condition where the airways become inflamed and the air sacs in your lungs are damaged. This causes your airways to become narrower, which makes it harder to breathe in and out. Therefore, people with COPD have breathing difficulties, and this can affect many aspects of your day-to-day life. Unfortunately, there is no cure for COPD, but there are lots of treatments available to help you to manage your condition, improve your symptoms and live an active life.

Signs & Symptoms Of COPD

Unfortunately, you may not notice symptoms or tell-tale signs of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) until it is in the advanced stages. However, you need to pay attention to signs such as:

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, you should consult your doctor.

What Treatments Are Available for COPD?

To treat COPD, just relying on treatment won’t work. There are lifestyle changes you need to adhere to as well. They are:

Quit Smoking

If you are addicted to smoking, then the single most important treatment for COPD is to quit it. Giving up will stop the ongoing damage to your airways caused by cigarette smoke. It is the most important treatment to reduce the chance of your condition becoming worse.

COPD Medications

The main treatment of COPD involves inhalers which include a long or short-acting bronchodilator. If you experience sudden episodes of breathlessness or chest tightness your doctor might prescribe a short-acting bronchodilator inhaler. This relaxes the muscles in your airways to keep them as open as possible and relieves breathlessness. If your symptoms occur every day, you will be given a long-acting bronchodilator inhaler. This works in the same way as a short-acting inhaler, but the effects of the medication last for at least 12 hours. You may have to take inhaler medications daily for months as advised by the doctor which will help to keep your disease under control. Always adhere to the medication prescribed by your Doctor.

Diet

When you have a chronic breathing disease, it is important to eat well to prevent infections and keep your lungs healthy. It is also essential to make sure you are the correct weight.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation

When you have a lung condition, it is important to be as active as you can and to exercise safely. In some areas, you can attend pulmonary rehabilitation – a programme of exercise that helps with breathlessness by improving your muscle strength and lung fitness. This makes it easier for you to carry out everyday activities.

Get Vaccinated

Make sure you get vaccinations against flu and pneumonia to avoid getting infections in winter.

Oxygen

If the level of oxygen in your blood is too low when you are resting, or if the level drops when you are active, you might need oxygen treatment. This is used to increase the amount of oxygen that flows into your lungs and bloodstream.

Assisted Breathing Using Ventilation

If an infection is making your breathing too difficult, you might need the support of a breathing machine. This is usually provided in the hospital. It can also be given at home if your condition is very severe. It also takes some of the efforts out of breathing because your chest muscles don’t have to work as hard, so it helps to ease the feeling of breathlessness.

If you are struggling emotionally, talking to your family or a health care professional can help. It is very important to stay active and sociable and to learn more about COPD.

Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute relatively common advice given to patients, and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.

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