Minimising
Shortness Of Breath - Introduction |
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We don’t always instinctively
know the correct way to breathe and this is more
when suffering respiratory disease. |
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Most of us are wholly unaware of our breathing
until there is a problem and difficulty with breathing
can quickly become the focus in our daily routine,
which slowly impacts on our daily activities. |
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One of the first steps for individuals is to increase
their awareness and help them recognise the symptoms
of shortness of breath (SOB). |
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They need to be able to differentiate
between breathlessness and dyspnoea (SOB), recognising
other symptoms such as chest tightness, fatigue and
hyperventilation (over breathing) as well as factors
such as emotional stress, over exertion, habitual
posture and ones that arise from exposure to environmental
irritants. |
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Diaphragmatic Breathing |
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The diaphragm is a major muscle used
in breathing, located beneath the lowest two ribs.
At rest, the diaphragm is dome shaped and during
inspiration it lowers and flattens. |
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Optimising the use of the diaphragm is beneficial
because it pulls air into the lower lobes of the
lungs where the majority of gaseous exchange takes
place. Not only is the diaphragm the most efficient
of all the respiratory muscles, but using it effectively
can aid relaxation and reduce anxiety. |
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Along with the diaphragm, we use intercostal
muscles and abdominal muscles in the work of breathing.
The intercostal muscles are situated between the
ribs and they pull to lift the rib cage up and out
(bucket handle effect). |
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| This movement allows the lungs to open in all directions
and air is pulled down the airways into the created
space. To exhale, the muscles begin to relax and
as they do air is pushed out along with carbon dioxide. |
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| Correct posture is important during respiration,
incorrect postural positions or tensing of muscles
impedes the work that the diaphragm and intercostal
muscles do. |
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Sitting in a raised shoulder position, holding
the muscles tense reduces the effective breathing
mechanism of the body. |
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Good relaxation techniques, postural positions
and correct breathing techniques are vital to a person
with a respiratory disease. |
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Peter Scott - Team Leader
