Shortness of breath is something we all have experienced at one time or another. Whether you’ve just run a marathon or climbed a steep set of stairs, it could happen to you. However, it takes some of us longer to recover than others. Below, we have collected a series of home remedies to help you recover and catch your breath faster.
Preventative Remedies
There are a series of things you can do to reduce your likelihood of getting short of breath in the first place.
Stop Smoking
If you’re smoking, quit. If you haven’t started, don’t. Smoking can cause chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a long-term lung condition that causes shortness of breath. (1)
Clean Air
Air pollution and toxins are tainting the air you breathe, and, in term, doing damage to your lungs. Try to avoid highly polluted areas, such as industrial centers or busy highways with lots of trucks whenever possible. (1)
Work Out
If you’re not in good physical condition, it will take less exertion for you to get winded. Coupled with that, if you are overweight, it puts your body under more strain to do the same sort of exercise. Be sure to get regular exercise. (1)
Home Remedies For Fast Relief
Even if you’ve decided to overhaul your life for healthier breathing, that doesn’t fix the immediate breathing problems you may encounter. These home remedies will.
Pucker Up
Breathe in through your nose; then, slowly exhale through pursed lips. This should help relieve strained breathing. (2)
Bring Your Own Fans
If you have a handheld fan, directing that cool airflow onto your cheeks can help with the symptoms of shortness of breath. You could always try holding your face in front of a full-sized fan too if you don’t mind looking silly. (2)
Chill Out
Guided meditations or progressive muscle relaxations have both been shown to help with shortness of breath. Download one or two onto your phone to help in an emergency. (2)
Avoid Extremes
Try to avoid exercising in either very hot or very cold temperatures. Additionally, keep your eye on the humidex–working out in high humidity is no good either. (3)
Medicate
There are a few different options for medical intervention. Firstly, you can try bronchodilators, which increase airflow to the lungs. Furthermore, some opioids can help with shortness of breath. Finally, in extreme cases, a doctor may decide an oxygen machine is right for you.
Of course, all drugs have risks. We’ve seen the opioid epidemic unfold in front of us. So, think very carefully when turning to drug interventions and only do so under the care of a doctor. (2, 3)
If You’re Worried About Your Shortness Of Breath. . .
If you find that your shortness of breath has worsened; or, if your ankles or feet are swollen; if you’re experiencing fever, chills, coughing, or wheezing; or, if you can’t catch your breath lying flat, you should schedule an appointment with a doctor.
If your lips or nails turn blue, if you faint, or if you have chest pains, get to the ER right away. That could be a heart attack or pulmonary embolism. (1)
