Ernest Rosenbaum, MD, is Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of California, San...read more
- How to Deal with Emergencies at Home: Part 1 of 2
- How to Deal with Emergencies at Home: Part 2 of 2
- Going Home from the Hospital: Part 1 of 2
- Going Home from the Hospital: Part 2 of 2
- Exercises for People with Limited Mobility: Part 1 of 2
- Exercises for People with Limited Mobility: Part 2 of 2
- Bed Positioning: Part 1 of 2
- Bed Positioning: Part 2 of 2
- Care of Colostomies & Ileal Conduits: Part 1 of 3
- Care of Colostomies & Ileal Conduits: Part 2 of 3
- Care of Colostomies & Ileal Conduits: Part 3 of 3
- Home Safety Solutions
- How to Administer the Heimlich Maneuver for Choking
- How to Administer CPR
- Emergency Situation: Difficulty Breathing
- Emergency Situation: Severe Bleeding
- Emergency Situation: Broken Bones or Falls
- Before Hospital Discharge—Evaluating Your Homecare Needs
- Bathroom Aids
- Skin Care Treatments and Solutions
- Massage Therapy Techniques
- Pain Medication at Home—Top Do’s and Don’ts
- Pain Medication at Home—The Steps of Giving an Injection
- Pain Medication at Home—Side Effects from Pain Medication
- Pain Medication at Home—Intramuscular and Subcutaneous Injections
- Pain Medication at Home—Controlling Pain
- Housework Tips
- Mouth Care for Cancer Patients
- Eating and Drinking Aids
- Dressing Tips
- Cooking Tips
- Bowel and Bladder Care
- Administering Pain Medication at Home
- Activities and Aids to Daily Living Overview
Supportive Homecare
Emergency Situation: Difficulty Breathing
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Although very frightening, shortness of breath often passes in a few minutes. The first thing to do, if you can, is sit up straight, so that your lungs can expand fully, loosen restrictive clothing such as tight collars or bras, and concentrate on relaxing. Remember, anxiety can cause you to feel (or add to the feeling) that you're not getting enough air.
Conserving energy is one way to prevent shortness of breath. Plan your steps-for example, keep frequently-used items such as the phone, clock, pad and pencil and your snacks within easy reach of your bed or chair.
When you are less active than usual, your lungs don't expand as fully as they normally do, unless you make an effort to help them. Coughing and deep breathing exercises should be built into your regular exercise routine. While you are in the hospital your respiratory therapist can teach you some easy exercises; for example, as simple a maneuver as blowing up a small balloon can greatly expand your lungs.
If difficulty in breathing persists, call your doctor and consult with him about what other measures can be taken to relieve it. In extreme situations, do not hesitate to call 911.
Read How to Deal With Emergencies at Home
Editor's Note: This article was co-authored by Ernest H. Rosenbaum, MD, Herman Uhley, MD, Isadora Rosenbaum, and Becky Moore, RN. |
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Posted in Emergencies, How to Care for Someone at Home, Supportive Homecare
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