Deep breathing or pursed lips, changing sitting or standing positions, and steam inhalation may temporarily relieve shortness of breath.
People with shortness of breath that is not a medical emergency can apply some of the following methods to improve the condition.
Take a deep breath
Deep belly breathing can make breathing easier. How to do it: Lie down and place your hands on your belly. Take a deep breath in through your nose, pulling your belly in to fill your lungs with air, and hold for a few seconds. Exhale slowly through your mouth, letting all the air out. Do this exercise several times a day or as often as you feel short of breath.
Pursed lip breathing
Pursed lip breathing can help reduce shortness of breath by slowing your breathing rate. This technique can be helpful if your shortness of breath is caused by anxiety, nervousness, or stress.
How to: Start by sitting up straight in a chair with your shoulders relaxed. Purse your lips together like you’re playing a flute. Inhale through your nose for a few seconds. Gently exhale through your pursed lips while counting to four. Repeat 4-5 times.
Pursed lip breathing slows down breathing and helps reduce shortness of breath caused by anxiety and stress. Photo: Freepik
Have a comfortable posture
People who are having difficulty breathing can change positions to relax and regain normal breathing. If the difficulty breathing is due to anxiety, exertion, heavy activity, or changes in weather or altitude, changing positions can help. Positions that reduce pressure on the airways include:
Sitting forward: Sit in a chair with your feet flat on the floor and your head slightly tilted forward. Gently rest your elbows on your knees so your chin rests on your hands. Keep your neck and shoulder muscles relaxed.
Standing tabletop: Stand near a flat, sturdy table. Place your hands on the tabletop, keeping your neck relaxed.
Stand with your back against a wall: Stand with your back against a wall, keeping your feet shoulder-width apart and your hands on your thighs. Relax your shoulders and lean forward slightly to relax your body.
Use fan
Fans help blow cool air across your nose and face, which can help relieve shortness of breath. This may help relieve shortness of breath caused by being in a closed, crowded, stuffy space, but it will not improve symptoms caused by the disease.
Steam inhalation
Steam inhalation can help clear your airways. The heat and moisture from the steam also helps thin mucus in your lungs, making breathing easier.
Directions: Fill a bowl with hot water. Add a few drops of peppermint or eucalyptus essential oil. Lean your face over the bowl at a comfortable distance, then inhale deeply as the steam rises from the bowl into your nose and exhale gently. Be careful when doing this to avoid burning your face.
Eat fresh ginger
Eating fresh ginger or drinking warm ginger tea can help relieve shortness of breath caused by respiratory infections. Ginger has a hot, spicy effect that improves airway function.
Have a cup of coffee
Caffeine relaxes the muscles in the airways, improves lung function, and blocks certain chemicals that contribute to shortness of breath. However, people sensitive to caffeine should consult their doctor before taking it.
Bao Bao (According to Healthline, Wikihow )
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