Remember breathlessness related to anxiety is normal. It is your bodies way of trying to help you in situations which you find difficult or in which you worry about your ability to cope. Explore and understand the triggers for your anxiety. If you find anxiety is becoming a problem which is affecting your day-to-day life. […]
Fatigue means extreme tiredness. Fatigue and breathlessness what helps you? Have you tried relaxation? Have you tried breathing control techniques?- if not speak to your healthcare team. Do you need some help to manage difficult or heavy tasks? Recharge your body “battery” and allow yourself to slow down for a while. Save some energy for […]
Most health care professionals can refer you to pulmonary rehabilitation so make sure you ask them about it if you think this could help you. If you have an MRC score of 3 or above you can benefit from pulmonary rehabilitation (see below). Do not go to the gym until after you have been to […]
If you are suffering from shortness of breath you may wish to consider the following: Clear airways one hour before eating. Take your inhaler before you eat. Eat while sitting up to ease the pressure on your lungs and help them expand more easily. Eat more slowly. Finger foods can be a good alternative if low […]
In general showering is easier than getting in and out of a bath. Always use a non slip mat in the bath or shower. Avoid using strongly scented soaps and body washes. There are unperfumed options. Avoid using bath oils. They make your bath very slippery and make getting in and out of the bath […]
Living with asthma can affect your daily routines and the way in which you manage the daily tasks that we all need to do; getting dressed, having a shower, shopping, cooking and so on. You may notice there are times when you are more, or less, breathless. Think about the ways in which you already […]
Some people with COPD may have concerns about the condition affecting sexual relationships and intimacy. COPD does not diminish your ability to have an intimate relationship but problems with lack of energy, coughing and breathlessness may affect your stamina and interest in sex. You may even avoid sexual intimacy because you are scared you may […]
If you are still working your work mates are another possible source of help. Some may have similar experience of a long term condition but others may not understand what it is like for you when you are unwell. If you have asthma make sure you tell someone at work what to do if you […]
Suppleness We know that if you are more flexible daily tasks such as bending and reaching are easier. This will also help you to improve your posture which means your lungs will work better. Strengthening This will increase the load that your muscles can cope with. We know that having stronger muscles will mean that […]
Breathlessness associated with getting out and about may result in you spending more time at home and less time getting out to do the things you used to do. Support with transport may be available in your area through community agencies / groups. More information should be available from your local libraries / GP practice […]
