How to Decrease Shortness of Breath

Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing---medically known as dyspnea---can be a frightening experience. It can be caused by various conditions, including anemia, a lung or other infection, pain, anxiety, fluid around the heart, a pulmonary blood clot, fatigue or heart disease. See your doctor as soon as possible for a check-up to determine what is causing your shortness of breath. After you receive a diagnosis, your doctor can begin to treat your condition and you can take steps to manage this anxiety-producing phenomenon.

Things You'll Need

• Medical evaluation
• Anti-anxiety medication (optional)
• Pain medication (optional)
• Medication for anemia (optional)
• Oxygen (optional)

Instructions

1. Make a doctor's appointment. You will need a physical examination to determine why you are having difficulty breathing. Your physician may recommend a chest X-ray and blood tests to check for anemia, as a lung condition or anemia may be the cause of your shortness of breath.

2. Consult your doctor about taking an anti-anxiety medication as needed. Anxiety and stress can cause shortness of breath. Ask your doctor if he would consider writing you a prescription for anti-anxiety medication that you can take to alleviate very stressful situations, phobias or even panic attacks. Any of these can cause you to hyperventilate and give you a feeling of not being able to catch your breath. Medication, taken as prescribed, will calm you down and allow you to breath more easily.

3. Inquire about pain medication. Severe pain can sometimes cause you to breath irregularly, which can lead to shortness of breath. Discuss your pain symptoms with your doctor, so she can recommend the right medication for you if pain is a factor.

4. Ask your physician about anemia, which can cause shortness of breath, a rapid heart rate and dizziness. If tests ascertain that you are anemic, consult your doctor about medications that can increase production of red blood cells, as well as other steps you can take.

5. Consider oxygen therapy, which may help decrease your shortness of breath. If your doctor believes you are a candidate for it, he will write you a prescription for home oxygen therapy. The procedure doesn't have to be cumbersome; there are many home oxygen therapy systems that are lightweight, discreet and portable.

Tips & Warnings

• Try eating smaller, light meals during the day, rather than large ones. Large, heavy meals can cause your heart rate to increase and promote shortness of breath.

• If you are having trouble breathing, fever, wheezing, dizziness or chest pain, get medical attention as soon as possible. These symptoms can signal a serious medical condition that requires immediate attention.

References

• Managing Symptoms: Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea)
• Anxiety Attacks in Menopause and Perimenopause