How can i breathe easier

The steps to do pursed lip breathing are: Relax the muscles in your neck and shoulders. Sit in a comfortable chair with your feet on the floor. Inhale slowly through your nose for 2 counts. Feel your belly get larger as you breathe in. Pucker your lips, as if you were going to whistle or blow out a candle. Exhale slowly through your lips for 4 or more counts. Alternative Names. Pursed lip breathing. It is important to note that the quality and strength of the research into pursed lip breathing is very limited.

Research into its effectiveness is ongoing. Finding a comfortable and supported position to stand or lie in can help someone relax and catch their breath. If shortness of breath is due to anxiety or overexertion, this remedy is particularly helpful. A study from reports that using a handheld fan to blow air across the nose and face could reduce the sensation of breathlessness.

Feeling the force of air while inhaling can make it feel as though more air is entering the body. Therefore, this remedy may be effective in reducing the sensation of breathlessness. The use of a fan may not improve symptoms that occur due to an underlying medical condition, however. In another study , the researchers did not find any clear benefit from using fan therapy, though it did appear to help some groups. Heat and moisture from steam may also break down mucus in the lungs, which might also reduce breathlessness.

People should leave the water to cool slightly if it has just boiled. Otherwise, the steam could scald the skin on the face. This can be enough to make it easier for them to take in air.

People should watch their caffeine intake when trying this remedy to make sure that they do not drink too much. Eating fresh ginger , or adding some to hot water as a drink, may help reduce shortness of breath that occurs due to a respiratory infection. One study suggests that ginger may be effective in fighting the respiratory syncytial virus , which is a common cause of respiratory infections.

Depending on the cause of the breathlessness, there may be some changes that a person can make to their lifestyle to avoid their triggers and ease their symptoms. Some people may experience shortness of breath suddenly and for just a short period of time. Others may experience it more regularly. Shortness of breath that occurs regularly may have a common cause or be the result of a more serious underlying condition.

Author: Healthwise Staff. Medical Review: E. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use.

Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. Updated visitor guidelines. Top of the page Actionset. Introduction Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is a lung disease that makes it hard to breathe. If you have severe COPD, you may find that you take quick, small, shallow breaths. It's important to avoid shortness of breath. It should feel easy to breathe, and your breath should be silent or quiet.

Your abdomen area will expand with each inhalation and contract with each exhalation. You can also feel your ribs expand to the front, sides, and back with each inhalation. Your diaphragm is the main muscle used for breathing. Your diaphragm tightens when you inhale, allowing your lungs to expand into the space in your chest. Your intercostal muscles also help to create space in your chest by contracting to pull your rib cage upward and outward during inhalation.

The breathing muscles are located near the lungs and help them to expand and contract. These muscles include the:. Your lungs and blood vessels bring oxygen into your body and remove carbon dioxide. The airways transport oxygen-rich air into your lungs and carbon dioxide out of your lungs.

These airways include:. There are several diaphragm breathing exercises and techniques that you can do at home. This will help you to use your diaphragm correctly. Regularly performing these diaphragmatic breathing practices may help you to:. You can practice the diaphragmatic breathing at home on your own. You may find that you get tired while doing this exercise since it takes more effort to use your diaphragm correctly.

But once you get used to diaphragmatic breathing, it will feel more natural and be easier to do. Slowly increase the duration of time you spend each day. You can place a book on your abdomen to increase the difficulty of the exercise or to help you focus. After you learn this breathing technique lying down, you may wish to try it while sitting in a chair.