Symptoms that may mean your shortness of breath is related to a health issue include swollen ankles or feet, trouble breathing while you’re lying down, chills, fever, cough, and wheezing. You should see the doctor immediately if your shortness of breath comes on suddenly or affects your ability to live. Additionally, you should call emergency services if you also have chest pain, nausea, or fainting, as this could mean you are having a heart attack or a pulmonary embolism. [4] X Research source
Asthma Carbon monoxide poisoning Excess fluid around your heart (cardiac tamponade) Hiatal hernia Heart failure Low blood pressure (hypotension) Pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs) Pneumothorax (collapsed lung) Pneumonia Sudden blood loss Upper airway obstruction
Asthma COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) Deconditioning Heart dysfunction Interstitial lung disease Obesity
Try stress relieving activities like yoga, meditation, and walking in nature. Express yourself creatively. Eat a healthy, balanced diet, minimizing caffeine, alcohol, and sugars. Get plenty of rest. Talk out your problems with someone you trust.
For example, shortness of breath brought on by anxiety can be treated with anxiety medication. Asthma and COPD may be treated with an inhaler. Allergies can be treated with medications like anti-histamines. If your lungs are not able to take in enough oxygen, then you may be given oxygen treatments. For example, someone with severe COPD may have trouble breathing and require oxygen treatments.
Ask for help when you need it. Communicate your needs to those around you. Say, “I’d love to go shopping with you today, but I’ll need to rest on the benches every 15 to 20 minutes. ” Avoid activities that overexert you.
If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about assistive measures you can take to help you quit, such as using a patch, gum, or medication.
Talk to your doctor before beginning any new diet or exercise programs. Try using a calorie counting app like myfitnesspal to keep up with your calorie intake and how many calories you’re burning. Eat a healthy, balanced diet built around vegetables and lean meats. Limit sugary snacks and drinks. Drink plenty of water.
Talk to your doctor before beginning any new exercise programs. Stop as soon as you feel winded. You can always try again when your body says it’s ready.
Use a HEPA air filter in your home. Avoid using cleaning products, hair products, cosmetics, and perfumes with harsh chemicals, as these can irritate your airways. Avoid spending time outdoors on days with an ozone or pollen alert. Undergo allergy testing to pinpoint what you’re allergic to, and then avoid those triggers.
For example, rest every 10 to 15 minutes. Unless you are properly trained, you should avoid exertions at altitudes over 5,000 feet (2,000 m) high. [16] X Research source
As an alternative, you can also place a cold rag over your forehead, which should help soothe you. [18] X Research source You only need to do this when you’re experiencing symptoms of shortness of breath.
You can buy humidifiers and diffusers at home goods stores, aromatherapy shops, and online.
It improves how much air is getting into your lungs. It releases trapped air from inside your lungs. It makes it easier for you to breathe. It slows your breathing. It helps your body get into a better breathing rhythm, releasing old air before taking in new air. It helps you relax.
Relax your neck and shoulders as you breathe in and out. [22] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Your exhale should be slower than your inhale. Continue breathing through pursed lips until you feel like you’re in control of your breathing. [25] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
As an alternative, you can instead fold your arms on a table, resting your head on top of them. [27] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Rest for a few seconds, then repeat 4 times. [30] X Research source Pursed lips mean that your lips are pressed together rather than open.
