Positioning
Certain positions allow the lungs and the muscles around them to work more efficiently and reduce the effort required to breathe. Forward leaning is often helpful, but make sure you keep your chest open by keeping your breastbone lifted.
Breathe in
Breathe out
Breathe out
Breathe in
Acupressure
Pressure on an acupuncture point at the end of your thumb can help to reduce breathlessness. Hold the pressure on for at least 30 seconds to ease symptoms, either between your 2nd and 3rd finger or using your other hand as shown.
Medication
There are medications that can help to manage breathlessness, including some that you may take regularly (for example inhalers) and others that you may take as and when you need them. Speak to your physiotherapist or nurse specialist about whether any medication changes could help you.
Pacing, planning and prioritising
Try not to plan to do too much at once, or within one day. Prioritise the activities that are most important to you. Think about things you could get assistance with, or equipment that may help (for example a grabber to avoid bending down or sitting to do a particular activity). It is important, both physically and emotionally, to stay as active as you can within your own limitations.
Relaxation
It is important to find ways of managing both acute anxiety or panic and your day-to-day levels of stress. Different relaxation techniques work for different people and situations. Some people find breathing techniques helpful, others find reading a book or watching a favourite TV programme useful. Smell can also be a powerful tool, with calming scents such as lavender. Others find listening to guided relaxation, visualisation, or muscular relaxation techniques beneficial. Speak to your healthcare team about what might work for you. We have leaflets with more detail about the above, as well as other ideas for managing breathlessness. Please let us know if you would like these.
Questions
If you have any questions about the information above, please contact the Farleigh Hospice advice line on 01245 455478.
Information adapted from www.supporting-breathlessness.org.uk