What makes breathing easier

You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter. Related Articles. Surprising Facts About Your Nose. How To Manage Winter Asthma. Trending Topics. What Parents Need to Know. They can also advise on lifestyle choices like boosting fitness levels and quitting smoking, if appropriate.

Pulmonary rehabilitation can help you manage your breathing and may improve your overall wellbeing and quality of life.

Counseling like cognitive-behavioral therapy CBT might be suitable for some people with shortness of breath. CBT can help you find new ways to face stressful situations.

This type of therapy can help address some of the factors that cause breathlessness or make it worse. Your doctor might recommend it alongside pulmonary rehabilitation. People with severe breathing problems may need oxygen. Doctors can provide oxygen in the hospital, but some people use it at home. Never use oxygen at home unless a doctor advises it, and always follow the instructions when doing so.

Studies have shown that some people are unwilling to seek help. But experts insist that anyone with concerns about their breathing should seek help. A doctor can help you find ways of relieving breathlessness.

If they identify an underlying cause, they can provide appropriate treatment. Breathlessness can occur for many reasons, and relieving it may depend on the underlying cause. Home remedies, like deep breathing, using a hand fan, or changing position can often help you get your breath back.

But shortness of breath can also be a sign of a more serious condition. If the problem persists or if you have other symptoms, consider seeing a doctor. They can help you find relief and may suggest treatment for an underlying health condition. A disruption in your regular breathing patterns can be alarming. Feeling as though you can't take a deep breath is known as dyspnea.

Lung conditions like COPD can significantly reduce lung function and your ability to breathe comfortably. This shows that you are using your diaphragm and that you are breathing deeply.

Prolonged breathing out Breathe in for two counts and breathe out for three or four counts. This helps to expel any trapped air so there is more room for fresh air when you take your next breath. Physical exercise to improve breathing Some people with breathing problems avoid physical activity because it makes them feel short of breath. But avoiding physical activity might reduce your lung function even more.

Make sure you discuss the possibilities of an exercise program with your doctor or healthcare professional before you start any new activities. Some examples of physical activity that can be useful include: Walking — start with a few minutes each week and build up slowly.

Stretching — keep your muscles supple. Weight training — use small hand-held dumbbells. Tai chi — practice breathing techniques and slow graceful movements that might help to relax and rejuvenate the body, boost energy, calm the mind and improve posture and balance.

Hydrotherapy — exercise in warm water. If you start feeling short of breath, stop, sit down and practice your breathing exercises.

Exercise training for people with breathing problems Hospitals with respiratory units often run pulmonary lung and airway rehabilitation courses. The courses may be twice a week for six weeks and might use a holistic approach that includes: monitored use of a treadmill use of an exercise bike tailored exercise routine lectures by a respiratory physician physiotherapy occupational therapy.

Other healthcare professionals who might offer you advice include: social workers pharmacists dietitians Where to get help Your doctor Your respiratory professional Hospitals with respiratory units Lung Foundation Australia Tel. Breathing exercises and light physical activity can help with breathing difficulties. People can try this exercise whenever they feel short of breath, and they can repeat it throughout the day until they feel better. It is important to note that the quality and strength of the research into pursed lip breathing is very limited.

Research into its effectiveness is ongoing. Finding a comfortable and supported position to stand or lie in can help someone relax and catch their breath. If shortness of breath is due to anxiety or overexertion, this remedy is particularly helpful. A study from reports that using a handheld fan to blow air across the nose and face could reduce the sensation of breathlessness. Feeling the force of air while inhaling can make it feel as though more air is entering the body.

Therefore, this remedy may be effective in reducing the sensation of breathlessness. The use of a fan may not improve symptoms that occur due to an underlying medical condition, however. In another study , the researchers did not find any clear benefit from using fan therapy, though it did appear to help some groups. Heat and moisture from steam may also break down mucus in the lungs, which might also reduce breathlessness. People should leave the water to cool slightly if it has just boiled.

Otherwise, the steam could scald the skin on the face. This can be enough to make it easier for them to take in air. People should watch their caffeine intake when trying this remedy to make sure that they do not drink too much. Eating fresh ginger , or adding some to hot water as a drink, may help reduce shortness of breath that occurs due to a respiratory infection.

One study suggests that ginger may be effective in fighting the respiratory syncytial virus , which is a common cause of respiratory infections. Depending on the cause of the breathlessness, there may be some changes that a person can make to their lifestyle to avoid their triggers and ease their symptoms.

Some people may experience shortness of breath suddenly and for just a short period of time. Others may experience it more regularly.