Shortness of breath, or dyspnea, is a condition that makes it difficult to breathe deeply and comfortably. Shortness of breath can affect both children and adults. People with shortness of breath may experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, oxygen deprivation, chest tightness, wheezing, coughing, dizziness and so on.
Shortness of breath can have various causes, such as lung diseases, heart diseases, anemia, obesity, smoking, allergies, stress and so on. The treatment of shortness of breath depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, medication or oxygen therapy may be necessary. However, in any case, there are some natural remedies that can be applied at home to relieve shortness of breath and improve quality of life.
In this article, you will find the answers to the questions of what is good for shortness of breath and how to get rid of it. You will also learn about the precautions you can take to prevent shortness of breath.
What Is Good for Shortness of Breath?
Some natural remedies that are good for shortness of breath are:
- Drink plenty of fluids: One of the recommendations of experts for shortness of breath is to drink plenty of fluids. It is advised to drink at least three liters of water per day. Water helps the body get rid of toxins and strengthen the immune system. It also moisturizes the respiratory tract and facilitates breathing. Caffeinated drinks should be avoided during shortness of breath¹.
- Use ginger: Ginger is one of the most natural remedies that can reduce shortness of breath. Ginger has expectorant properties that can help clear mucus from the nose and throat. It also helps with nasal congestion and shortness of breath. It also helps reduce chest congestion and tightness¹. You can brew ginger as a tea or add it to hot water as a drink. Ginger may also help fight respiratory infections caused by viruses or bacteria².
- Consume mint: Mint is a plant that opens up the airways and eases breathing. Mint contains a compound called menthol, which thins the mucus in the nose and throat and reduces coughing and shortness of breath. You can drink mint tea, massage with mint oil or chew mint leaves².
- Use honey: Honey is a very beneficial food that is preferred in alternative solutions for many ailments. Honey helps to destroy inflammation and microbes in the respiratory tract, soften the throat and stop coughing. Consuming a teaspoon of honey on an empty stomach in the morning helps to get rid of shortness of breath. There are also alternative ways to consume honey. It can be mixed with warm water or hot milk and drunk according to preference².
- Do breathing exercises: Breathing exercises are one of the most effective methods to get rid of shortness of breath. Breathing exercises increase lung capacity and facilitate oxygen intake. They also strengthen the respiratory muscles and ease breathing. A simple breathing exercise is to take a deep breath through your nose and exhale slowly through your mouth. Doing this exercise for 10-15 minutes a day can help with shortness of breath³.
How Can You Prevent Shortness of Breath?
Some precautions you can take to prevent shortness of breath are:
- Do not smoke: Smoking irritates the respiratory tract and causes shortness of breath. Quitting smoking will reduce both your shortness of breath and other health problems³.
- Avoid allergens: If you have an allergic constitution, try to avoid exposure to allergens. Pollen, dust, animal hair and other allergens can cause shortness of breath and infection. To protect yourself from allergens, clean your home frequently, change your bed sheets, ventilate and use an air filter if necessary³.
- Strengthen your immune system: Strengthen your immune system by eating healthy, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep and avoiding stress. Also, consume immune-friendly foods, such as vitamin C, probiotics, ginger, garlic and so on.
- Use a humidifier: Dry air can irritate the respiratory tract and cause shortness of breath. Using a humidifier can increase the humidity level of the air and soothe the respiratory tract.
Shortness of breath, or dyspnea, is a condition that makes it difficult to breathe deeply and comfortably. Shortness of breath can affect both children and adults. People with shortness of breath may experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, oxygen deprivation, chest tightness, wheezing, coughing, dizziness and so on.
Shortness of breath can have various causes, such as lung diseases, heart diseases, anemia, obesity, smoking, allergies, stress and so on. The treatment of shortness of breath depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, medication or oxygen therapy may be necessary. However, in any case, there are some natural remedies that can be applied at home to relieve shortness of breath and improve quality of life.
In this article, you found the answers to the questions of what is good for shortness of breath and how to get rid of it. You also learned about the precautions you can take to prevent shortness of breath. Your shortness of breath may be caused by a serious illness. Therefore, if your shortness of breath lasts long or gets worse, see a doctor immediately. We wish you healthy days!