Shortness of breath is a condition that makes it challenging to get air into your lungs. It is characterized by chest tightening, breathlessness, breathing difficulties, or suffocation. Lung conditions such as pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and COVID-19 are the common causes of breath shortness. Doing intense exercises, obesity, anxiety, panic, high levels of air pollution, and temperature change can also cause shortness of breath – Midwood. You can experience shortness of breath suddenly for short periods or long-term several weeks or more. Shortness of breath can be mild and manageable at home but if it persists or causes intense chest tightening, dizziness or unconsciousness, seek emergency care. There are various home remedies to treat shortness of breath, including;
Sitting forward
To improve breathing, sit on your chair with your feet flat on the floor and your chest slightly leaning forward. With your neck and shoulder muscles relaxed, rest your elbows on your knees or hold your chin with your hands. This position creates more chest cavity space for your lungs. It is beneficial if you have COPD and unsuitable if you have high obesity levels.
Pulsed-lip breathing
Pulsed lip breathing involves relaxing your neck and shoulder muscles and slowly breathing through your nose to the count of two, keeping your mouth closed. Purse your lips as if you want to whistle and breathe out slowly through your lips for four counts. Pulsed-lip breathing controls breath shortness during a panic, COPD, or hyperventilation. It helps release the air trapped in your lungs.
Sitting forward, supported by a table
Sit in a chair with feet flat on the floor, facing a table, and lean the chest slightly forward, resting the arms on the table. You will then rest your head on your forearms or a pillow. This method creates more space for your lungs in the chest and can improve breathing if you have COPD.
Standing while supporting your back
Standing helps to relax your body and airways. You will stand near a wall, facing away and resting your hips on it. Ensure your feet are shoulder-width apart, resting your hands on the thighs. Relax your shoulder and lean slightly forward, dangling your arms in front.
Standing supporting your arms
Stand near a table or any other flat piece of furniture below your shoulder height. Relax your neck and rest your elbows or hands on the table. Keep your shoulders relaxed and rest your head on your forearms. This home treatment improves your breathing by creating more chest space for your lungs.
Sleeping in a relaxed position
You can sleep in a relaxed position by lying on your side, placing a pillow between your legs, and elevating your head with pillows. Keep your back straight all through. Alternatively, you can lie on your back, head elevated, your knees bent, and place a pillow under the knees. These positions relax your airways, easing your breathing.
Shortness of breath is a condition that makes it challenging to get air into your lungs. You can treat it at home by sleeping relaxedly, sitting forward, pulsed-lip breathing, or standing leaning on your back. Schedule an appointment at New York Medical and Vascular Care for shortness of breath treatment to save your life.
