Lung and heart health issues can result in shortness of breath, making it difficult to get air into the lungs. Unfortunately, shortness of breath leads to oxygen deprivation in important organs such as the brain and may result in death. You should learn some home remedies for shortness of breath, especially now that COVID-19 continues to be a global health concern for people living with underlying health problems. You should seek shortness of breath Otsego medical treatments to improve your health and prevent the future recurrence of the problem. These are remedies for shortness of breath.
Pursed-Lip Breathing
You can control shortness of breath due to panic, VOPD, or hyperventilation with a pursed-lip breath. The technique slows down your breathing and creates rhythm, making it possible to make deep and effective breathing. It empties the lungs and eliminates the dead air spaces in the lung associated with COPD, thus releasing the air trapped in the lungs. You may use pursed-lip breath when engaging in intense activities such as climbing the stairs.
You can achieve the perfect pursed lip breathing technique by relaxing the neck and shoulder muscles and breathing through the nose while keeping the mouth closed for two counts. Then purse the lips like you are whistling and breathe the air out slowly and gently for a count of four.
Sit Forward
Sitting forward may alleviate shortness of breath as it makes breathing easier. You will sit on a chair with your feet resting on the floor while leaning your chest forward. Then rest the elbows the knees while holding the chin with the hands. You can use a chair with a pillow to support the head for comfort. The position is a tripod stance which can create more space in the chest promoting better air movement in and out of the lungs.
Diaphragmatic Breathing
Diaphragmatic breathing alleviates shortness of breath and fosters effective air passing in and out of the lungs. You should sit when performing diaphragmatic breathing with relaxed shoulders, neck, and head. Breathe slowly through the nose until you feel like the belly is moving under the hand you had placed on the belly. Once the lungs are full, you can exhale the air while tightening the muscles until the belly moves inward. Breathe the air out via the mouth with the lips pursed. Diaphragmatic breathing emphasizes the exhale rather than the inhale, thus eliminating the air trapped in the lungs.
Lifestyle Changes Which Might Prevent Shortness of Breath
You should cut on cigarette smoking and tobacco consumption as these products damage the lungs by lining them with smoke, thus causing different lung problems. You should avoid allergens if you are at risk of an allergic reaction, manage body weight, eat healthily, treat underlying medical conditions and get vaccinations against the flu and COVID-19.
Shortness of breath limits the air intake into the lungs leading to oxygen deprivation in vital organs like the brain. Although it is paramount to seek medical treatment, you can find ways to alleviate shortness of breath before seeking medical attention. You should practice pursed-lip breathing, eliminating the air trapped in the lungs and increasing lung capacity. Moreover, diaphragmatic breathing aids shortness of breath by increasing air intake. However, you should adopt lifestyle changes that prevent future issues and improve your health.
