Things You'll Need:
- Medications A change in eating patterns Exercise Smoking cessation Lavender essential oil Herbs
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Step 1
Ask your doctor to prescribe medication that will help alleviate your shortness of breath. He may prescribe a bronchodilator, which can allow you to inhale medication that will stop your shortness of breath by opening up and expanding your airways.
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Step 2
Don't stuff yourself. Instead of having three big meals a day, you should, instead, eat six small, high-protein meals every day, as this leaves you with more oxygen.
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Step 3
Start a regular program of physical exercise. This will aid you in strengthening your lungs and heart. It will also help you lose excess weight, which could be a contributing factor to your shortness of breath. Consider walking on a daily basis, as it is an easy form of exercise mostly anybody can do. You can also do swimming or water aerobics, which are extremely helpful in optimizing your breathing ability.
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Step 4
Give up the cigarettes. Smoking causes a host of health problems, including shortness of breath. It is never too late to refrain from this bad habit and, once you do, you will discover that your breathing will improve. If going cold turkey alone is hard for you, ask your doctor to recommend a smoking cessation program.
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Step 5
Massage with lavender essential oil. Mix one-fourth cup of vegetable oil with 6-7 drops of lavender essential oil and rub the concoction directly on your chest to experience relief from shortness of breath. You can find essential oils at most health food stores.
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Step 6
Take herbs that help to combat shortness of breath. Some of these include cayenne, hyssop, elecampane, mullein and chamomile. If you are taking a prescription medication, being treated for a serious medical condition or are pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your doctor before taking any of these herbs.
