How do I know if my shortness of breath can be treated?

All About Shortness of Breath It is likely that most people have experienced shortness of breath at some point in their lives. Although it may seem like a simple response from the body, we must be careful not to cause complications. Therefore, today we will learn about the causes, symptoms and treatment for shortness of breath.

What is it Shortness of breath is characterized by the difficulty in getting air into the lungs. You have probably felt short of breath after physical activity, suffering from anxiety or asthma. In addition, many people who suffer from serious illnesses may have more difficulty breathing. As soon as you feel difficulty breathing, try to sit down and stay calm. If you do not feel better, seek medical help as soon as possible.

Causes These are the most common causes for a person to suffer from shortness of breath:

Anxiety We will always be influenced by our emotions and the way we interpret the world. Therefore, people who suffer from anxiety or stress are more likely to experience shortness of breath. It is important for anxious people to receive psychological help, engage in enjoyable physical activities and eat well.

Gestation Pregnant women experience difficulty breathing after completing 26 weeks of pregnancy. Since the baby is bigger, it compresses the diaphragm and reduces the space in the lungs. Pregnant women should use pillows to sleep comfortably and focus on breathing to breathe better.

Excessive Physical Effort People who are sedentary feel short of breath very easily. This is because they are not used to making as much effort in their daily lives and they quickly become tired. Therefore, it is important for them to do physical activities in order to strengthen their body and lungs.

Heart diseases People with heart problems may have trouble breathing. Even if they don't exert themselves too much, they have physical limitations that prevent their bodies from functioning properly. The doctor in charge will help the patient by prescribing appropriate treatment and medication.

Respiratory Diseases People with the flu or a cold may have difficulty breathing due to phlegm. However, you may also have difficulty breathing if you have bronchitis, asthma, or pneumonia. You need to follow the treatment prescribed by your doctor to relieve and treat these conditions.

Covid-19 Many people diagnosed with COVID have trouble breathing. Among many symptoms, this infection compromises the proper functioning of vital organs, such as the lungs. We must take precautions to prevent the disease and, in the event of infection, follow the recommended treatment.

Airway Obstruction You may feel short of breath as soon as your airway becomes obstructed. For example, small objects are in your airway or food is stuck in your throat. If lying on your side and removing the object with tweezers doesn't work, you should seek emergency help as soon as possible.

Obesity People who are overweight have difficulty breathing properly. They have to work harder to breathe when they are lying down or sleeping, since their lungs are compressed. In addition to using pillows to lean back, it is important for obese people to lose weight with the help of nutritionists.

Allergies A person may suffer allergic reactions and have their airways compromised. Many people experience shortness of breath after eating something they shouldn't or being bitten by animals. If a person has a severe allergy, it is important to take them to the emergency room immediately.

Main Symptoms The main symptom of shortness of breath is difficulty breathing. However, the causes of shortness of breath will determine whether you will experience other symptoms. For example, people with asthma also experience coughing, chest pressure or pain, and wheezing.

If you frequently experience shortness of breath, it is necessary to speak to a specialist doctor. This way, you will understand the reason for your difficulty breathing and how to treat the problem.

Shortness of Breath due to Covid-19 As we said before, people with Covid-19 may experience shortness of breath. This is because their lungs are compromised by the infection. The patient may experience gradual or sudden shortness of breath, requiring immediate assistance.

People who develop severe cases of COVID-19 are more likely to have shortness of breath. Even if the patient makes little effort or is resting, they may have difficulty breathing properly. Soon, oxygen saturation will drop and the patient will feel tired and confused. If the patient does not restore their oxygen levels, some tissues and organs will be compromised. Therefore, it is important for anyone to see a doctor if they notice changes in their breathing.

Treatment As soon as you feel short of breath, it is important to stay calm and sit down. Next, you will try to focus on your breathing to stay calm. Keep your focus on the air entering and leaving your lungs to regulate your breathing rhythm. If your shortness of breath is related to the flu or a cold, try nebulizing eucalyptus tea.

You will soon feel the eucalyptus opening your airways. This way, you will breathe easily and with less discomfort. However, if you suffer from bronchitis or asthma, you will need to use medication. Doctors recommend using Salbutamol or Aerolin to open your airways. However, you should always go for a consultation to get the proper guidance.

Consultation If you need to see a doctor, it is recommended to have this information to help you with your appointment:

1. The time at which shortness of breath appeared and whether it was sudden or gradual;
2. If you have trouble breathing whenever you exert yourself;
3. If you tend to feel short of breath at specific times or if you were in other cities when it started;
4. The frequency and timing of shortness of breath;
5. If you experience other symptoms, such as phlegm or cough.

If possible, you will describe to the doctor how you feel when you try to breathe. For example, if you feel tightness in your chest or a feeling of suffocation.

Personal Care An effective way to treat shortness of breath is to always take preventive measures. In other words, you will take precautions in your daily life to improve your respiratory capacity and avoid damage. A great treatment for shortness of breath is:

• Avoid using cigarettes or secondhand smoke where you breathe smoke;
• Avoid regions with polluted air or elevations above 1,500 meters;
• Practice physical activities that help you strengthen your lungs;
• Try to reduce your weight, as this will prevent your body from having to make more effort to do simple activities.

People who experience shortness of breath lose a lot of their quality of life. After all, even if they make little or no effort, they feel their lungs working at full capacity. Therefore, they get tired more easily and may experience risky situations.

If you suddenly experience difficulty breathing, seek medical help as soon as possible. Also, pay attention to symptoms such as chest pain, sweating, or difficulty performing simple activities. Treatment for shortness of breath will be more effective as soon as it is applied.