How to Treat Breathing Problems

Breathing problems refer to anything that intrudes on the normal inhaling and exhaling patterns of respiration. A person with breathing problems experiences difficulty in supplying air that the body needs. Pain is present as the person respires and may be accompanied with coughing or wheezing. The person feels as if he is not getting enough air and is all the time catching up on his breath. This can happen with a clogged nose, after strenuous activities or in an anxious state due to stress. But sometimes breathing problems appear as a symptom of serious conditions such as emphysema, asthma, pneumonia or heart disease. To treat breathing troubles, apply the following steps below.

Things You'll Need

• Medications, inhalers
• Oxygen supply
• Fruits, vegetables, vitamins
• Relaxing aromatherapy oils
• Vicks VapoRub

Instructions

General Treatments for Easy Breathing

1. Take some oral medications or inhalers (nebulizer treatment). Medications supplied by your doctor or over-the-counter ones are great in alleviating breathing problems. These types of medicines are designed as either short-acting to relieve symptoms of breathing problems or long-acting to help prevent problems in breathing. Nebulizers help a patient take in medicines that are breathed into the lungs, in the form of a fine mist, for an immediate relief.

2. 

   Deliver oxygen into your lungs through an oxygen concentrator. A constant supply of oxygen is essential to prolong and improve the quality of life for people with serious breathing problems. Oxygen can be delivered through a mask or soft nasal prongs. For patients with breathing problems at home, nasal prongs are more convenient. They enable patients to move freely and to eat or drink without any obstruction. If dryness of nasal membranes results from using nasal prongs, constant application of water-based lubricants on the area can help alleviate the situation.

3. Eat healthy, drink right and take some multivitamins (vitamin C and beta-carotene) to boost your immune system. Adding a lot of fruit and vegetables to your diet, along with food supplements and adequate water intake, will keep your system strong and healthy. Proper nutrition is important for every individual, especially for people with breathing problems. Careful choice of food must be observed for individuals with allergic reactions.

4. 

   Avoid alcohol and smoking. Drinking too much alcohol is not good for your health. It will only suppress your respiratory function and will make way for other health conditions. Smoking, on the other hand, is nothing but a poisonous habit that harms your lungs and hampers your breathing.

5. Exercise your way to healthy breathing. Aerobic exercises like walking, jogging, swimming or riding a stationary bike is an excellent way to keep your body and your lungs healthy. Stretching and weight training are also beneficial, as well as tai chi and yoga that involves breathing techniques to rejuvenate the mind and body.

6. 

   Try aromatherapy to ease your breathing. Excessive mucus production is one of the main causes of breathing problems. To help ease your breathing, pamper yourself with a warm bath using some essential oils to reduce congestion, relax your chest or whole body and help you breathe easier.

7. Perform a simple at-home remedy to improve your breathing. Boil 3 cups of water, add at least 2 tsp. Vicks VapoRub and stir. Cover the mixture with a lid, and prepare a bath towel. Cloak yourself with the towel, turn the fire off the stove and open the lid. Carefully lean your body over the mixture and breathe in the vapor. Cover the container and your head with the towel, preventing the vapor from escaping. Breathe in as much vapor as you can to reduce congestion and improve breathing.

8. 

   Watch your weight. Breathing problems are common among people who are overweight. Obesity imposes problems in breathing and on overall health. Obese people have difficulties in moving their chest up, which is more prominent when lying down. So be serious about keeping an eye on your weight.

9. Transform your lazy life into an active life. Improve your way of living, and boost your energy. Having a sedentary lifestyle will only decrease the capacity of your lungs. Get up and move around. Keep your lungs healthy and functional.

Techniques on How to Breathe Easier

1. Relax your neck, shoulder and chest muscles through proper positioning of the body. With your muscles at ease, you will be able to catch your breath easier. When in a standing position, slacken your muscles by leaning your back on the nearest wall, with your body angled forward and both hands on your thighs. When sitting, lean forward with both hands on your thighs, or fold your arms on the table in front of you, and lean your body forward to lay your head on your folded arms.

2. Do the pursed lip breathing. Sit comfortably on a chair and relax. Slowly inhale through your nose on a count of 2. Pucker or purse your lips as if you are blowing a lit candle or whistling. Then exhale the air out naturally on a count of 4. Breathe out gradually twice as much as you breathe in. Do not force the air out of your lungs. Keep doing this technique until you are breathing normally.

3. Perform the lying breathing technique. Lie down comfortably on a firm bed or mat. Widen the distance of your legs and keep them extended. Place your arms at the sides of your body with palms up. Relax your entire system and close your eyes. Close your mouth and keep it this way for the entire technique. Now slowly breathe in through your nose. Feel your chest and abdomen rising as you inhale. Then slowly breathe out and feel your chest and abdomen fall back into place. Make sure to do this technique smoothly and easily.

4. Breathe through your diaphragm. Lie on your back on a firm bed or mat--back straight but do not overarch. Flex your legs and widen the distance of your feet. Place one hand over your chest area and the other on the abdominal area just below the rib cage. Now gradually take a deep breath through your nose for a count of 3 and then exhale slowly though your mouth for 6 counts. You are doing the right diaphragmatic breathing when you feel your belly and your lower ribs elevating as you inhale.

5. Sigh yourself to easy breathing. Sit upright on a comfortable chair and relax. Breathe in naturally, and then do a deep sigh, permitting the air to rush out of your lungs. Repeat this procedures 10 to 15 times, or whenever you feel the need to do so.

6. Do the paced breathing technique. This type of breathing is essential for maintaining good breathing or to prevent breathing problems while walking or lifting objects. When walking, stand still and inhale. Then walk two to three steps and exhale. Relax for a bit and do the procedure again. When lifting, inhale as you grip the object and exhale as you lift the object up. This will also help in boosting your power as you lift.

7. Execute the standing deep-breathing technique. Stand upright and slowly breathe in through your nose. Inhale into the lower area of your lungs by expanding your lower ribs. Breathe in some more up to the level of your upper chest. Then gradually breathe the air out from your upper chest, while keeping the air in your lower lungs. Contract your abdominal muscles and expel the remaining air and relax. Repeat this technique as many times as you need to.

Tips & Warnings

• Consult your doctor first before taking any medications or trying any type of exercise techniques. Some medicines or activities may not be beneficial for your breathing condition. So always be safe and update your physician regularly.