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Breathing techniques
- Pursed-lip breathing: breathe in through your nose, then out slowly through lips pursed as if blowing out a candle
- Positions that help: leaning forward with your arms resting on your knees or a table can make breathing easier
- A hand-held fan blowing cool air on your face can ease breathlessness
A physiotherapist or your pulmonary rehab team can teach you more.
Stay active
Breathlessness can make you want to do less, but that makes your muscles weaker and breathlessness worse. Gentle, regular activity helps break this cycle. Pulmonary rehab is a safe place to start.
Pace yourself
Plan your day, break tasks into smaller steps, and sit down for tasks like washing, dressing and preparing food. Keep things you use often within easy reach.
Eat well
Eat small, regular meals if big meals make you breathless. If you are losing weight without trying, ask for a referral to a dietitian.
Keep warm and avoid infections
- keep your home warm, ideally at least 18°C
- wash your hands often and keep up with your vaccines
- avoid people with colds when you can
Anxiety and mood
Feeling breathless can be frightening and can cause anxiety or panic. This is very common. Breathing techniques help, and your GP can refer you for talking therapies.
Support
Asthma and Lung UK runs a free helpline and local Breathe Easy support groups.
Sources we used
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