How to Help Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath, also known as dyspnea, occurs when the body has trouble regulating the breathing. Dyspnea can be experienced when a person is resting or when he is performing an action. The action could be exercise, such as riding a bike, or something as mundane as washing the dishes. Anemia, heart problems and lung problems are all causes of shortness of breath.
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Instructions
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See a doctor and tell him or her about any medications that you're taking. These medications could include vitamins, herbal supplements or over-the-counter medicines. There is a possibility that one of these medications could be causing your shortness of breath.
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Stay away from smoke. If you're a smoker, you must quit smoking. If you do not smoke, be sure to stay away from rooms that are filled with smoke. Both first-hand and second-hand smoke will damage lung tissue and escalate shortness of breath.
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Keep yourself healthy. When it is difficult to breathe, the last thing you want to do is to be sick as well. This would only add to the dyspnea.
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Remain hydrated by drinking at least two liters of non-alcoholic and non-caffeinated fluids per day. The more dehydrated you are, the thicker the secretions are when you cough. These secretions make breathing more difficult.
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Use a vaporizer to thin out secretions in the chest or throat. If a vaporizer is not available, a warm shower can also help clear breathing passages.
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Avoid any common causes of allergies such as pet dander, pollution, hair sprays, mold, grasses and pollen from plants such as trees or ragweed. Any of these things can make breathing more difficult.
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Tips & Warnings
Exercise as is tolerated. Check with a doctor to see what kinds of exercise you can do. Stay away from people who are sick. Wash your hands several times a day with soap and water for least 15 seconds each time. Do not share cups or silverware with others.
Too much salt can trigger heart problems, which are often a cause of shortness of breath.
