Tips to improve breathing:
- Plan periods of non-activity between periods of exercise and
activity or slow down your activity level while short of breath.
- Conserve your energy by taking breaks
throughout the day: read, pay bills, write letters, use the computer for
fun.
- Relax with music, meditation and/or yoga.
If you have increased shortness of breath, follow the guidelines below:
- Weigh yourself and record your body weight today, then weigh
yourself for the next two days as you follow these steps:
-- Eliminate 500 mg of sodium from your diet for two days
(today and
tomorrow).
-- Decrease the liquids you drink by 360 cc (1½ cups) for two
days.
- If you still have difficulty breathing after limiting sodium
and fluid for two days, call your doctor or nurse. Your doctor or nurse will
want to know your weight today and before you decreased your sodium and
fluid intake. Your medications may need to be adjusted.
- If you have increased breathlessness at night, try sleeping in
a recliner chair. Use more pillows or use a supportive cushion so you are
resting more upright. Notify your doctor or nurse about any shortness of
breath that occurs while you are trying to sleep.
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 3/20/2006…#12888
