6 QUICK AND EASY HOME REMEDIES TO GET RELIEF FROM BREATHLESSNESS

WHAT IS SHORTNESS OF BREATH OR BREATHLESSNESS?

Shortness of breath or dyspnea is a feeling where one can't inhale enough air into the lungs or has to inhale with effort to breathe. This sensation is similar to what one might feel after a sprint or heavy exercise or a good jog. But when a person starts to fall short of breath outside of any strenuous physical activity, then it is of concern and has an underlying cause like asthma. etc.

In case of shortness of breath, a doctor's consultation is necessary. However, here are a few quick and easy home remedies to get immediate and temporary relief from breathlessness.

1. SITTING FORWARD OR WITH SUPPORT OF A TABLE.

Sitting calmly on a chair, leaning the chest slightly forward  can help in relaxing and breathing easily.

While sitting on the chair, the chin can be supported by hands resting the elbows on the knees or one can simply place a soft pillow on a table and rest their head on that table while still sitting on a chair.

Being able to rest the head on a table can be much more relaxing and help to catch breath quicker.

2. STEAM INHALATION:

Inhalation of steam can help cut down thick mucus and clear the air passages and thereby help in easy and effortless breathing.

To a bowl of very hot water, a few drops of peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil or ginger oil should be added. Bend over to place the face over the bowl with a towel covering over the head. Inhale the steam with deep breaths through the nose and exhale through the mouth.

Make sure not to scald the skin by inhaling the steam while the water is boiling.

3. HONEY AND GINGER:

Both honey and ginger prove effective in respiratory disorders. Honey and ginger according to the Ayurvedic texts are termed as Kaphagna, meaning that which cuts down or breaks down excessive unwanted thick mucus.

To a tablespoon of honey, add fresh grated ginger or a few drops of freshly extracted ginger juice, mix well and take time to lick it slowly. Half a pinch of powdered pepper can be added to get better effects.

The above mixture can be mixed with a cup of hot water boiled with basil leaves or Tulsi leaves to make a herbal tea. It has a soothing effect over breathing.

4. CHANGE SLEEPING POSITION:

Lying in supine position or on the back exerts too much pressure on the chest and lungs due to gravity. This makes breathing even more exhausting and difficult.

Changing sleeping position to left or right lateral side can make breathing easier.

5. LIFESTYLE CHANGES:

A sedentary lifestyle can cause breathlessness. Starting the day with a brisk jog or some strenuous physical exercise can help get rid of breathlessness completely.

Adding healthy food like salads and water rich fruits and vegetables in your diet can help in getting rid of breathlessness.

Obesity could be another cause of breathlessness, exercise and diet focused on losing weight can also help in getting relief from Dsypnea.

6. PRACTICE YOGA:

As hard and boring as it may sound, Yoga has huge benefits for any kind of breathing problem. Yoga will not only cure the obvious symptoms - breathlessness, but will also help in curing the underlying cause of it. 

The following 5 yoga poses are very beneficial for strong lungs and effortless breathing:

• Bhujangasana or the cobra pose.
• Anuvittasana or the standing backbend pose.
• Ardha matsyendrasana or the half lord of the fish pose.
• Poorvottanasana or the upward plank pose.
• Pavanmuktasana or the wind releasing pose.

Practicing Pranayama (Control of Breath) along with the above Yogasanas can help eliminate breathing problems completely.