Shortness of breath or dyspnea can cause extreme discomfort. It can be a symptom for many diseases and be acute and chronic. More often than not, it suggests that one is suffering from cardiovascular and respiratory system disorders. You may find it difficult to do strenuous exercise and walk up an incline. In fact, you may even need a break after walking for 15 minutes on a plain level. Getting dressed could also be tiresome.
What could it be? If you experience sudden shortness of breath, it could be an indication for a heart attack. If you have wheezing and/or coughing it could be asthma. If exposed to fumes, dust, and cigarette smoke for years, it could be chronic bronchitis. If exposed to hazardous chemical substances, one might have occupational lung disease. The others reasons may include heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, lung cancer, pneumonia, bronchitis, hyperventilation, or anemia. In case of anemia, you will also feel tired all the time and look very pale. In case of serious symptoms, it is imperative to consult a physician without any delay to avoid further complications.
What are the remedies? In the case of asthma, there are plenty of medications that will help open the airways that relax the surrounding muscles. Keep in mind that there are certain inflammation-causing fats present in our diets like arachidonic acid, which increase asthmatic symptoms. They are found in foods such as egg yolks, shellfish, and meat. Avoid eating such foods to reduce asthma symptoms and inflammation. To counter the symptoms, you can take beneficial fats like EPA (eicosepentanoic acid) that are found in fish oil and omega-3 fatty acid capsules, and GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) that is present in evening primrose oil or borage. Remember that omega-3 fatty acids can cause side effects such as indigestion and bleeding.
You could also increase your intake of apples, tomatoes, carrots, and leafy vegetables to reduce asthma attacks. Fruits and nuts decrease the risk of asthma. Also make sure to take vitamin C and manganese rich foods. Butterbur root extract is an excellent remedy to reduce severity of asthma. Its side effects are indigestion, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, or constipation. It is best if children, persons with kidney or liver failure, or pregnant or nursing women do not have butterbur.
If you experience shortness of breath due to anemia it is essential to improve your vitality by increasing your consumption of iron, vitamins, and minerals. Increase your intake of cereals, dairy products, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and poultry and fish products to enhance your immune system. Avoid smoking and begin exercising to remain fit.