“Smile, breathe, and go slowly.” — Thich Nhat Hanh
Breathing difficulties can be quite alarming and overwhelming.
It’s important to understand how to respond to such situations as it can create a significant difference in outcomes.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to take when someone experiences breathing difficulties at home, how to manage it, and when to seek medical help.
What Are Breathing Difficulties?
Breathing difficulties can have multiple causes. Some of the most common causes are asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), pneumonia, heart conditions, allergic reactions or even anxiety.
India accounts for approximately 13.09% of the global asthma burden, with an estimated 3.4 crore cases. Asthma affects more than 3.5 crore people worldwide.
However, the severity of breathing problems can vary from mild shortness of breath to a life-threatening emergency. It is important to recognize the signs early so that you can take appropriate steps to save lives.
What Are The Key Signs to Watch For?
Here are some of the symptoms to watch out for:
Rapid or Shallow Breathing: This can indicate a problem with lung function or insufficient oxygen levels.
Blue or Pale Lips and Face: Cyanosis (a bluish tint to the lips, face, or extremities) could mean inadequate oxygen in the bloodstream.
Wheezing or Grunting: Constricted airways or accumulation of fluid in the lungs often lead to noisy breathing.
Nasal Flaring: This is a sign that the body is struggling to get enough oxygen, and it often occurs when breathing is labored.
What to Do If You’re Facing Breathing Difficulties?
Stay Calm: Being anxious can accentuate breathing problems. Remember to stay as calm as possible. Take slow, deep breaths in order to reduce panic and prevent hyperventilation. One proven technique is to take one long, deep breath, followed by a second short inhalation. Then exhale. This is known to reduce stress and anxiety levels significantly
Assess the Severity: If there is mild difficulty and no distress, then sitting in an upright position to open up the airways can help. If it’s severe, consult a healthcare professional immediately (or you can reach out to us for your Oxygen needs: +91 8100 334353 (Available on WhatsApp)) and opt for home remedies.
Use a Rescue Inhaler: If you or the person suffering has been prescribed an inhaler by a healthcare professional, use it when needed. A bronchodilator inhaler can help open the airways and improve breathing.
Administer Oxygen if Available: Supplemental oxygen may be necessary in severe cases. You can use an oximeter to monitor oxygen saturation. Maintain an oxygen cylinder for home use or a home O2 concentrator, and administer oxygen as prescribed. Portable O2 concentrators and oxygen machines for home use can provide consistent respiratory support for individuals with chronic conditions.
Positioning Matters: Specific postures can ease breathing. Like sitting up straight helps open the airways and can make breathing easier. Or try using a back rest or hospital beds which have reclining features. We provide hospital beds and back rests at home for ease of movement. In certain cases of COPD or asthma, leaning forward slightly with the hands on the knees can relieve pressure on the chest.
Check for Foreign Objects: If the breathing difficulty is accompanied by choking or coughing, immediately check for objects in the mouth or throat. Follow the Heimlich maneuver if needed.
Stay Hydrated: At times dehydration can worsen breathing problems. Offer water if the person is in a position to drink.
Use a Non-Rebreather Mask: A non-rebreather mask, which provides 100% oxygen, can be life-saving in emergency situations when a person is not able to get enough oxygen from normal air. This should only be used if someone is trained in its use, as it requires proper fitting. Also, use this with supplemental oxygen at all times. If you need an oxygen concentrator for home use or a medical oxygen cylinder, you can reach out to us: +91 8100 334353 (Available on WhatsApp).
When To Seek Immediate Medical Attention?
If symptoms worsen despite initial efforts, immediately contact emergency services. It is necessary if the person has:
- Blue lips or face
- Chest pain along with breathing difficulty
- Confusion, drowsiness, or inability to stay conscious
- Wheezing, grunting, or any abnormal breathing noise
- Difficulty speaking full sentences due to shortness of breath
What Are Some Common Myths?
Myth: Asthma is the only cause of breathing difficulties.
Fact: Breathing difficulties can be caused by a variety of conditions including heart disease, pneumonia, anxiety, and allergies, not just asthma.
Myth: Using an inhaler too often will make it ineffective.
Fact: Inhalers, if prescribed, are safe to use as directed, even multiple times a day. Overuse should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Myth: If you don’t have access to a non-rebreather mask, breathing issues can’t be managed at home.
Fact: While a non-rebreather mask is helpful, other methods like sitting upright, using an inhaler, and applying supplemental oxygen (if available) can also manage breathing difficulties.
Myth: If someone is breathing heavily, they must be hyperventilating.
Fact: Heavy breathing can result from many conditions, including exertion, fever, anxiety, or a more serious medical condition. The cause needs to be assessed.
Myth: Hydration doesn’t impact breathing.
Fact: Dehydration can worsen breathing problems, particularly in respiratory conditions like asthma or bronchitis. Staying hydrated helps to thin mucus and improve airflow.
What Are Some Frequently Asked Questions?
Q. What should I do if someone is wheezing and struggling to breathe?
Wheezing may indicate asthma or another airway blockage. Administer a bronchodilator inhaler if available. If symptoms worsen, call emergency services immediately.
Q. Can anxiety cause difficulty breathing?
Yes, anxiety can lead to hyperventilation and difficulty breathing. Calm breathing exercises can help, but persistent symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
Q. How do I know when to use a non-rebreather mask?
A non-rebreather mask should only be used in emergencies when a person’s oxygen levels are dangerously low. Consult a healthcare provider if you’re unsure. Or you can reach out to us: +91 8100 334353 (Available on WhatsApp).
Q. What is the best position for someone having trouble breathing?
The best position is sitting up straight. In cases of severe breathing distress, leaning forward with hands on the knees can also help open airways.
Q. What should I do if someone is turning blue from breathing difficulty?
Blue or pale lips and face (Cyanosis) are signs of severe oxygen deprivation. Call emergency services immediately, and administer oxygen if available. Or you can reach out to us: +91 8100 334353 (Available on WhatsApp).
Q. Which Indian Celebrities Faced Breathing Difficulties?
Amitabh Bachchan faced significant breathing problems during his battle with COVID-19. His situation required the use of oxygen therapy in the hospital. He later emphasized the importance of timely medical intervention for respiratory distress and the need for following health protocols during such illnesses.
Hema Malini has spoken publicly about her health challenges, including respiratory issues. Despite her active lifestyle, she managed her condition with regular check-ups and a personalized oxygen therapy plan.
Takeaway
Never ignore breathing difficulties, especially when they are sudden or severe. It’s important to recognize the signs early, stay calm, and administer basic first aid measures. Always consult your healthcare provider beforehand to create a personalized plan to manage such chronic respiratory conditions.
If you need oxygen concentrator rentals, an oxygen cylinder refill nearby, or portable oxygen concentrators, we are here to help. You can reach out to us: +91 8100 334353 (Available on WhatsApp).
Breathing is essential to life, and understanding how to respond in a crisis is a vital skill that can save lives.
Stay calm and breathe well!