Help for Breathing Problems
Breathing problems, which can consist of pain, unease or any obstruction of the actual process of breathing air, are usually offshoots of certain conditions that include lung disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart problems and asthma. While these can be easily treated with drugs aimed at curing the respective conditions, other breathing problems caused by allergies can be averted by avoidance of possible allergenic compounds like dust, pollen, mold and smoking. There are certain techniques too, which when practiced, lead to help for those with breathing problems.
-
Pursed-Lip Breathing
-
Exhale with your lips partly closed, like you are getting ready to whistle. This is especially useful for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients, as this process averts excessive lung inflation by elevating air pressure in the respiratory tract, preventing the lungs from total collapse.
Belly Breathing
-
This deep or diaphragmatic breathing practice aids in filling up the lungs completely and reduces the rate of breathing, thus helping in relaxation. This is crucial as most people with breathing problems will be prone to become anxious and suffer from a panic attack, on top of the breathing difficulty. To perform this exercise, keeping one hand on the chest and the other below the ribs, breathe in deeply, allowing your belly to push out your hand, and then exhale through partially closed lips. Perform this between three to 10 times.
-
Sitting-Breathing Exercises
-
This can be done in two ways. In both methods, you are required to place your feet flat on the floor and bend your chest forward a little. Now in the first method, balance your chin on your hands and elbows on your knees, and then loosen your shoulders and neck. For the second method, rest your arms on a flat surface like a table, and place your head on pillows or forearms.
Standing-Breathing Exercises
-
This can be done best standing with your feet apart, and your hips bent against a straight wall, with your hands on your thighs. Loosen your shoulders, and then bend forward a little, while swaying your arms in front.
Sleeping Postures
-
There are two ways of sleeping that are known to help with breathing problems. For the first method, you need to lie down on any side with a pillow wedged between your legs and another cushioning pillow below your head, maintaining a straight back at all times. For the second method, lie on your back, with your head propped by pillows, and tuck your knees in, while putting a pillow under them.
Preventive Measures
-
Breathing problems can be easily avoided by following some easy measures, like avoiding tobacco smoke, regular exercise, staying away from allergens, being on a nutritious dietary regimen, maintenance of personal hygiene, taking proper vaccines against illnesses, and using a mask when exposed to chemical compounds or dust. Sometimes, medicines like leukotriene, which is known to lower inflammation of the airways, is prescribed.
Emergency Treatment
-
If someone suddenly complains of acute problems in breathing, call 911, and while waiting for paramedics, start CPR, after checking the person's breathing tract, circulation and airway. Loosen clothing on the patient, if he is wearing any tight attire. If the person has any open injuries in the neck area, wrap those areas in cloth, and bandage them. This becomes most crucial in case the wounds start showing air bubbles. Similarly for open wounds in the cavity of the chest, use a bandage to stop air flow, or else it would lead to the collapse of the lungs.
-
