Shortness of Breath

Shortness of breath or labored breathing, medically known as dyspnea, is a condition experienced, when one finds it very difficult to breathe air in and out. Needless to say, it is a cause for concern and needs to be addressed immediately. Often, shortness of breath can be a symptom of various serious diseases, heart failure or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease being a couple of them. The symptom is seen to occur more frequently in older men and chain smokers. Whereas, in some cases, one may experience shortness of breath right from childhood, in which case it is a symptom of asthma. Asthma too is a serious affliction and should be treated under medical supervision. Shortness of breath may also be caused by some other minor causes. High altitudes, due to the rarefied air, cause one to feel a temporary shortness of breath. Extreme weather conditions and overly exhaustive physical activity too leads to a shortness of breath, albeit temporary. However, if one experiences a sudden shortness of breath without the influence of these factors, it is best to immediately consult a doctor to rule out possibilities of far more serious diseases involving the lungs or the heart. Once that has been ascertained, one can take a number of steps to aid the fight against dyspnea.

The most important step is to quit smoking if you are a smoker. Additionally, stay away from dust, toxic gases and substances that act as allergens on your body. Exercise regularly, but take care not to overexert yourself at one go. If your doctor has prescribed medications, follow them religiously and make sure you are never overweight. Also avoid fermented foods and dairy products. You could also try out an age old remedy involving the use of bishop’s weed. Mix half a teaspoon of it in a glass of buttermilk and drink at least twice everyday. This will greatly help relieve shortness of breath. Ginger is another excellent remedy. Add a teaspoon or two of ginger juice to one glass of lime juice and drink thrice each day after the meals. This is known to cure shortness of breath and even helps in the fight against asthma. Honey also has been used with considerable success in treating dyspnea. Add two teaspoons of honey to a glass of milk and drink it each night before going to bed. This treatment will start producing visible relief in the span of a few days.