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Natural Treatments For Shortness Of Breath

The shortness of breath is happening when a person has trouble taking in enough air to breathe and it can range from mild to severe. It is very common, but it can be uncomfortable and distressing to experience. When it is not a sign of a more serious condition, then it can be managed at home.

Natural Treatments For Shortness Of Breath
Natural Treatments For Shortness Of Breath

Some people can experience shortness of breath suddenly for short periods of time while others can experience it over the long term, which is several weeks or more. The shortness of breath can be caused by a viral infection, which is a minor cause, and by a heart attack or pulmonary embolism, which is a major cause for it. Also, lung cancer, low blood pressure, COPD, asthma, and pneumonia can lead to shortness of breath.

In some studies is said that labored breathing can be from poor air quality or exercise. You should talk with your doctor if you have shortness of breath, so he or she can diagnose the cause and give you the proper treatment. You need to talk with your doctor if you have shortness of breath before you use some of the below-mentioned home remedies, so in this way, you can avoid side effects caused by them. Here are some natural treatments for shortness of breath:

Coffee

 It has been shown that drinking black coffee can help to treat breathlessness because the caffeine in it can reduce the tiredness in the muscles in a person’s airway. In some studies is found that caffeine slightly improves the way the airway functions in people with asthma. This can be enough to make it easier for them to take in the air. It is important to remember that drinking too much coffee can increase the heart rate of a person. It is best to watch your caffeine intake when you are trying this treatment, so you will be sure that you are not drinking too much.

Inhaling steam

You can inhale steam because this can help to keep your nasal passages clear and this can help you breathe more easily. The moisture and heat from steam may also break down mucus in the lungs, which might also reduce breathlessness. To try the steam inhalation at your home, you should fill a bowl with very hot water.

Then, add a few drops of peppermint or eucalyptus essential oil. Then, you should put your face over the bowl with a towel over your head. Then, take deep breaths inhaling the steam. It is very important to make sure that the water is left to cool slightly if it has just boiled. Otherwise, the steam could scald your skin.

Sitting forward

When you are resting while you are sitting can help you to relax your body and it can make your breathing easier. You should sit in a chair with fleet flat on your floor and lean your chest slightly forward. Then, gently rest your elbows on your knees or hold your chin with your hands. You should remember to keep your neck and shoulder muscles relaxed.

Eat fresh ginger

You should eat fresh ginger or add some hot water as a drink. This can help to reduce the shortness of breath which is caused by a respiratory infection. In one study was said that ginger can be effective in fighting against the RSV virus, which is a common cause of respiratory infections.

Using a fan

In some studies is found that using a handled fan to blow air across the nose and face could reduce the sensation of shortness of breath. When you feel the force of air while inhaling it will feel like more air is getting in. It was found that this treatment is effective in reducing the sensation of shortness of breath. But, it is not found if the use of a fan actually improves the symptoms when they were caused by an underlying condition.

Diaphragmatic breathing

Diaphragmatic breathing can help you to treat shortness of breath. You should sit in a chair with bent knees and a relaxed neck, head, and shoulders. Then, put your hand on your belly. Then, breathe in slowly through your nose. You will feel your belly moving under your hand. As you exhale, you should tighten your muscles and you should feel your belly fall inward. You should breathe out through your mouth with pursed lips. Then, put more emphasis on the exhale than the inhale. You should keep exhaling for longer than usual before slowly inhaling again and repeat it for about five minutes.

Sleeping in a relaxed position

Many people can experience shortness of breath while they sleep and this can lead to waking up frequently. This can diminish the quality and duration of your sleep. You should try lying on one side with a pillow between your legs and your head elevated by pillows, keeping your back straight. Also, you can lie on your back with your head elevated and your knees bent with a pillow under your knees. Both of these positions can help your body and airways to relax, which will make breathing easier.

Acupressure and acupuncture

Both these techniques can help you to feel less short of breath. Both of them focus on the meridians and acupressure points of the body to optimize the energy and release blockages. Both techniques are generally very relaxing and helpful.

Standing with supported arms

You should stand near a table or another flat, sturdy piece of furniture that is just below the height of your shoulder. You should rest your elbows or hands on the piece of furniture, keeping your neck relaxed. You should rest your head on your forearms and relax your shoulders.

Yoga

Yoga is considered a safe technique for people who suffer from shortness of breath. You can incorporate it into your daily life, so you can reap its health benefits on a regular basis and hopefully feel calmer, which always helps to make optimal breathing come easier. The tense body is an antithesis of good and healthy breathing, so you should do what you can do to release the tension on a daily basis and yoga is one of the most recommended techniques for it.

Massage

Massage therapy is one of the best ways to boost your mood and overall wellness. One scientific study done in 2018 was shown that after a massage, levels of the stress hormone cortisol are reduced, while the levels of dopamine and serotonin are increased.

Standing with a supported back

When you are standing, then this can help to relax your body and airways. You should stand near a wall, facing away, and rest your hips on the wall. Then, keep your feet shoulder–width apart and rest your hands on your thighs. When your shoulders are relaxed, you should lean slightly forward and dangle your arms in front of you.

Warm shower

You can take a warm shower because it can help you to get relief from the shortness of breath and it can help to thin out your secretions.

Honey

This home remedy has cough–suppressant properties and it can help you in the natural treatment of shortness of breath. You can take a little bit of honey every night before you go to bed, so you will get relief from the wheezing.

Saltwater gargle

You can gargle with salt water during coughing and wheezing because this can help to clean the respiratory system and it will give you relief from the shortness of breath.

Sitting forward supported by a table

If you have both a table and chair to use, then you can find this practice to be a slightly more comfortable sitting position in which you can catch your breath. You should sit in a chair with your feet flat on the floor, facing a table. Then, lean your chest slightly forward and rest your arms on the table. Then, rest your head on your forearms or on a pillow.

Mustard oil rub

You can rub mustard oil on your chest. This is considered one of the safest and most effective natural treatments for shortness of breath.

Citrus fruits

Lemons and oranges have the potential to manage various respiratory diseases, such as asthma and bronchitis. You can use it as your home remedy for shortness of breath.

Garlic

It has been proven that garlic is effective in the treatment of symptoms of asthma and bronchitis. It can help to remove the mucus from the respiratory tract and it will improve the capacity of your lungs. You can use garlic in your diet, so you will get relief from the shortness of breath.

Quit smoking

If you are a smoker, then you should quit. If you do not smoke, you should avoid smoke-filled rooms. Smoking and second–hand smoking can damage lung tissues and this can make your shortness of breath worse. You should talk with your doctor about techniques that can help you to quit smoking if you cannot do it on your own.

References:

1. Shortness of breath. https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/shortness-of-breath/basics/causes/sym-20050890 .
2. 9 Home Treatments for Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea). https://www.healthline.com/health/home-treatments-for-shortness-of-breath .
3. Shortness of breath. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/shortness-of-breath/ . Published October 10, 2017
4. Shortness of breath. https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/lungs-and-airways/shortness-of-breath . Published February 14, 2020
5. Shortness of Breath. https://foundation.chestnet.org/lung-health-a-z/shortness-of-breath/ . Published May 7, 2020

Elene Jordanova
Elene Jordanova
Elena Jordanova is a medical researcher from Macedonia with specialization in Internal Medicine

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