Diaphragmatic Breathing
Also called abdominal breathing or deep breathing, diaphragmatic breathing can help manage your breathlessness. This technique is particularly helpful when you have shortness of breath due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Lie down on your back, put your hands on your abdomen and relax your muscles.
Breathe in deeply through your nose, expanding your abdomen and then filling your lungs with air.
Hold your breath for a couple of seconds.
Breathe out slowly through your mouth and empty your lungs completely.
Repeat for 5 to 10 minutes.
Do this breathing exercise 2 or 3 times a day.
Pursed-lip Breathing
Another common breathing technique that can help ease shortness of breath is pursed-lip breathing.
pursed lip breathing to reduce shortness of breath
It can quickly slow your pace of breathing, helping you restore your normal breathing. It also helps relieve stress and anxiety.
Sit comfortably and relax your neck and shoulder muscles.
Keep your lips pressed together tightly, except the center.
Inhale for a couple of seconds through your nose.
Exhale slowly and gently through your pursed lips while counting to 4.
Continue to inhale and exhale for another 10 minutes.
Drink Black Coffee
A cup of black coffee can also help cure shortness of breath. The caffeine in coffee helps reduce respiratory muscle fatigue and improves airway function modestly. In addition, it may reduce asthma symptoms.
Drink 1 to 2 cups of strong, black coffee to relieve shortness of breath and restore your normal breathing.
Do not drink coffee in excess as it may raise your heart rate and blood pressure.
Steam Inhalation
If a respiratory problem is causing breathlessness, steam inhalation is a good option. It will help keep your nasal passages decongested.
In addition, the heat and moisture from the steam will help break up and dissolve mucus for easy elimination from the system.
Fill a bowl with very hot water.
Add a few drops of essential oil, such as eucalyptus or peppermint essential oil.
Place your face over the bowl and a towel over your head.
Inhale the steam, taking deep breaths for several minutes.
Follow this simple remedy whenever you have nasal congestion.
As soon as the congestion clears, you will notice fewer episodes of breathing difficulty.