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A breathing difficulty is the feeling of not being able to get enough air. When not enough oxygen is delivered to the body or the lungs cannot breathe in enough air, the individual must increase breathing or reduce activity. Many different problems can cause this difficulty, including chronic lung disease, debility from disease, anemia, infection, airway obstruction, stress or anxiety, or tumor.
What to look for:
- Breathing difficulty and/or chest pain
- Rapid rate of breathing
- Increased pulse rate
- Pale or bluish color skin
- Cold and clammy skin
- Flaring nostrils on inhalation
- Wheezing
What to do:
- Avoid respiratory infections. Ask friends with colds to postpone visits until they are well or to wear a mask during the visit.
- Remain calm during stressful situations. Relax and breathe deeply.
- Take medicines as ordered.
- Raise the head of the bed or use pillows to prop up.
- Inhale through the nose and exhale through pursed lips, like blowing out candles.
- Practice relaxation therapy.
- Rest between activities.
- Avoid gas-forming foods that may cause bloating (beans, raw vegetables, raw fruits, broccoli, cabbage, carbonated drinks, and chewing gum).
- Use an electric fan or humidifier.
When to call hospice:
- If the problem becomes severe or the patient has chest pain
- If the patient spits up thick, yellow, green and/or bloody sputum
- If the patient has a fever of 100.50 F or greater;
- If nostrils flare when breathing
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