Aids For Shortness Of Breath (expiratory Dyspnea)

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

In this text you will find many tips for first aid and self-help at expiratory dyspnea.

Shortness of breath is a violation of the rhythm, frequency and strength of respiratory movements, and subjectively shortness of breath is manifested by a feeling of shortness of breath.

Why and when does shortness of breath occur?

Shortness of breath is one of the clinical symptoms of lung and cardiovascular diseases. It can be when inhaling - if it is difficult, and exhaling - if exhaling is difficult. In this article we will tell you how to help with shortness of breath in a patient with bronchial asthma and we will focus on postures that facilitate breathing.

When attacked bronchial asthma shortness of breath occurs on exhalation due to narrowing of the lumen of the small bronchi and bronchioles due to spasm of the bronchial muscles. The patient complains of difficulty and prolonged exhalation, ie shortness of breath has an expiratory nature.

First aid for expiratory dyspnea

If expiratory dyspnea is associated with allergic diseases (eg bronchial asthma), it is necessary:

- Remove, if possible, the allergen;

- Calm the patient;

- Provide a comfortable position;

- No embarrassing clothing (open the collar, loosen the tie, untie the scarf);

- Open the window to provide fresh air;

- Give the patient an inhaler with the medicine that helps him with attacks;

- On the advice of a doctor, give expectorants if sputum is not well excreted;

- Monitor breathing and heart rate.

In addition to first aid for shortness of breath, which is usually provided by people around him during an attack, the patient must know the methods he can use alone to alleviate his condition. Let's focus on some of them.

Self-help techniques for expiratory dyspnea

1. Technique pursed lips - the first self-help for expiratory dyspnea

One of shortness of breath self-help techniques is to use the exercise to tighten the lips. This technique is also called exhalation with lip measurement. When performing this exercise, the lips lie freely on top of each other; on exhalation, air passes between the lips and leaves the oral cavity. As a result, the airway pressure decreases and exhalation becomes easier while the airway remains open. This technique facilitates breathing;

2. Body position for easy breathing in expiratory dyspnea

To facilitate breathing with expiratory dyspnea, you can occupy different body positions. It is important that the shoulders are facing up and the arms are not hanging.

The "coachman's posture" and the "goalkeeper's posture" are comfortable. You should also stand upright with your hands, for example at the waist, behind the back of a chair or against the wall. This will release the pressure from the shoulders to the chest. It will also be possible to make better use of the muscles of the airways. Using this position and the exhalation technique with pursed lips will help the patient to breathe easier.

The coachman's posture

If the patient has difficulty breathing, he should sit down, as this way the respiratory muscles can work more efficiently. In a sitting position, lean your upper body forward, with your hands resting on your upper thighs or on a table;

Goalkeeper stand

In the upright position, the patient should sit lightly and place his hands on the upper thighs. In this case, the shoulders should be pointing upwards;

Supporting hands

In the upright position, the patient should lean forward slightly, with both hands resting on the table, sink or chair back. The shoulders are directed upwards;

How to lean against the wall

In an upright position, the patient rests his hand on the wall. He uses one hand as a support and the other has to put on his belt. In this case, the second arm rests on the waist so that the shoulders are pointing upwards.

These shoulder positions facilitate breathing in expiratory dyspnea!