Kapanlagi.com - The respiratory system is an important aspect of a person's life. When the respiratory system is disturbed, a person's activities can be hindered. Moreover, serious respiratory problems can also result in death. Therefore, it is necessary for everyone to know and understand how to deal with sudden shortness of breath.
Respiratory disorders or shortness of breath can occur at any time. This condition can cause a decrease in oxygen supply to the lungs. As a result, the body can experience various symptoms ranging from dizziness, weakness, to loss of consciousness. In general, shortness of breath can be caused by several diseases ranging from asthma, anemia, to lung disorders.
However, whatever the cause, shortness of breath should be addressed as soon as possible before unwanted things happen. Summarized from various sources, here are some ways to deal with sudden shortness of breath.
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1. Managing Breath with Pursed-lip Breathing
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Pursed-lip Breathing may still be unfamiliar to most people. However, this technique is important to know because it can be one way to deal with sudden shortness of breath. Pursed-lip breathing is done by regulating breathing through the mouth and nose.
To do it, close your mouth while inhaling air for two counts through your nose. Then, exhale slowly through a small opening between your lips or mouth for four counts. This method will help slow down the pace of your breathing. As a result, your breathing will gradually become smoother and return to normal.
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2. Sitting with Body Leaning Forward
If you experience sudden shortness of breath while sitting in a chair, you can try this second method. First, make your body as relaxed as possible. Make sure your feet can touch the floor, then lean your body slightly forward. Use your elbows as support. Place your elbows on your knees and rest your chin on your palms. Once you're ready, you can start slowly regulating your breath.
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3. Sitting with Head Bowed on Table
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If there is a table in front of the chair where you are sitting, you can bow your head on it. Before that, you can fold both hands on the table, and then use them as a support or forehead cushion. Slowly, try to regulate your breathing through your mouth and nose. Keep trying to regulate your breathing until it feels more comfortable and smooth.
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4. Lying Position
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Shortness of breath can make a person feel weak. Therefore, if you are unable to sit or stand, you can try to overcome sudden shortness of breath by lying down. The method is quite simple, you just need to provide some pillows or cushions.
Take a supine position and place the pillows or cushions in several places, such as under the head so that the head is higher than the heart. In addition, a pillow should also be placed under the knees. Meanwhile, the back and both hands should be kept straight and parallel to the body. This lying position is believed to help overcome blocked airways.
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5. Standing with Back Against the Wall
The next way to overcome sudden shortness of breath is by standing with your back against the wall. Standing with your back against the wall is believed to make your body, especially the neck and shoulder muscles, more relaxed.
To do this, make sure you position your feet shoulder-width apart. Then, position your hands by your sides. After feeling relaxed, you can slightly lean your body forward. Not only does this position make you relaxed, but it is also believed to have an impact on the respiratory system, making it smoother.
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6. Diaphragmatic Breathing
When experiencing sudden shortness of breath, it is highly recommended to regulate your breathing through diaphragmatic breathing. There are several steps that can be taken to breathe during shortness of breath.
You can sit in a chair with your knees bent. Then, make sure your shoulders, head, and neck are relaxed. Next, place one hand in front of your abdomen, and the other in front of your chest. Breathe slowly through your nose, until your hand can feel your abdomen moving up and down. Exhale slowly through your mouth. You can do this repeatedly for at least five minutes.
Those are some easy ways to overcome sudden shortness of breath. Hopefully, they are useful and helpful when your breath suddenly feels tight. Good luck!
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(kpl/psp)
Disclaimer: This translation from Bahasa Indonesia to English has been generated by Artificial Intelligence.