Not everyone thinks that having an oxygen tank at home is a necessity, but for those who live with elderly people, it is. Shortness of breath is a health problem that’s very common especially among old people. Also known medically as dyspnea, shortness of breath is a condition in which a person experiences difficulty in breathing and the feeling of being suffocated.
If you or a loved one suffers from breathlessness, buying an oxygen concentrator may not be the first thing you have to do. Breathlessness can be severe, but it can also be moderate or mild. There are some cases also where shortness of breath leads to stress or anxiety, which makes the condition much worse.
Below are some good ways of managing breathlessness:
- Abdominal Breathing
Also called diaphragmatic breathing, abdominal breathing is an effective means of managing breathlessness. This is a particularly helpful technique when your shortness of breath is caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD.
- Black Coffee
If using an oxygen regulator is not so appealing to you, a better option is to drink black coffee when you experience shortness of breath. Caffeine is helpful in reducing respiratory muscle fatigue. Also, caffeine in coffee can improve the function of the airway. Black coffee is also proven to reduce symptoms of asthma.
- Steam Inhalation
If breathlessness is caused by a respiratory problem, a good option is steam inhalation. This is a way better option compared to wearing a face mask earloop and having an oxygen tank beside you. What steam inhalation does is keep your nasal passages clear or decongested.
- Natural Expectorant
Ginger is a highly recommended natural expectorant that is used for treating nasal congestion, which is another common reason for breathlessness. Ginger is found to have components that prevent the secretion of mucus, so you could breathe more easily. What’s more, ginger is effective in fighting off any type of respiratory tract infection.
- Stop Smoking
Smoking is a known cause of respiratory problems like shortness of breath. Even if you are not a smoker, if you are exposed to cigarette smoke, you are in danger of having this breathing difficulty. If you need to wear an N95 facemask to avoid inhaling cigarette smoke, do so!
If you’re looking for a reliable source of medical supplies like an oxygen tank or even compression stockings, the best place to go is Philippine Medical Supplies.
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