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What Is Normal For Heavy Breathing?

If you have shortness of breath on a persistent basis, you need to read this article to learn more about heavy breathing.

Persistent shortness of breath could be a symptom of a deeper medical problem most of the time. In fact, healthy people may also experience occasional shortness of breath episodes at times. This mostly happens at high altitudes, extreme temperatures and after running up a flight of stairs.
Most of the time, shortness of breath is regarded as a symptom of old age. But this is not true in any way. In fact, it should not be blamed on old age since it is a medical condition that can be treated effectively. Most cases of shortness of breath are linked to lung or heart conditions. The heart and lungs are responsible for transporting oxygen to the tissues as well as removing carbon dioxide from the tissues. Hence, problems in these organs can affect the breathing of a person. You need to consult your family doctor if you experience consistent shortness of breath under these circumstances.

When You Are Walking Up A Flight Of Stairs

Most people would experience an occasional shortness of breath when walking up a flight of stairs. If you experience this condition on a constant basis, or you feel that your situation is worsening with time, you need to consult your primary healthcare provider immediately.

When You Are Walking A Moderate Distance

Do you need to rest often when walking around the block or across a parking lot? If so, you need to compare this distance to what you could walk 6-12 months back. If you find a huge difference in your condition, it is best to consult your primary healthcare provider for treatment.

Persistent Coughing

If you are experiencing an ongoing cough that usually leaves you gasping for breath, it can surely be a medical condition which needs immediate attention.

Wheezing During A Workout Session

Wheezing is similar to a high-pitched whistle sound made while you are breathing. If you experience regular wheezing during your workout sessions, it should be immediately brought to the attention of your primary healthcare provider.

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Improve Your Lung Health

There are many things that can be done to improve your lung health. Regular exercises, quitting smoking and getting prescribed medications from your primary health care provider are some of the most effective in this regard. Diaphragmatic breathing a.k.a. Deep breathing or abdominal breathing is one of the best exercises to cure shortness of breath. This technique is essential when you are experiencing shortness of breath due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In order to perform this exercise, you need to lie down on your back, place the hands on the abdomen and relax the muscles. Breath deeply through the nose while expanding the abdomen and filling your lungs with air. Hold the breath for three seconds. Breathe out slowly through the mouth and empty the lungs completely. Repeat this exercise 10 times at a stretch for best results.

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These are some of the most common conditions where most people experience shortness of breath. Occasional shortness of breath is not a medical condition, and you need not worry about such a situation. But if you experience consistent shortness of breath, it constitutes to a medical problem which can be easily treated by a professional healthcare provider.

Author
Dr. Meaghan Clemens

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