Managing Shortness of Breath

Can't catch your breath? This can help.

When your breathing feels hard, simple steps can help you settle it.

First, why this happens. With heart failure, the heart can pump a little weakly. So fluid can slowly back up into your lungs. That leaves less space for air. That's why you feel short of breath. Good news: you have tools to ease it. The first is a simple way of breathing you can do anywhere. Let me show you.

It's called pursed-lip breathing. It's your number-one tool, and relief you can feel fast.

Let's do step one together. First, relax your shoulders. Let them drop down, away from your ears. Now breathe in slowly through your nose, for a count of two. In... two. As you breathe in, let your belly gently rise, not your chest. Nice and easy. There's no rush. We're just letting the air come in gently through your nose, while your shoulders stay loose and relaxed.

Now step two, the most important part. Pucker your lips, like you're about to gently blow out a candle, or whistle. Then breathe out slowly through those pursed lips, for a count of four. Out... two... three... four. Notice that you breathe out longer than you breathed in. That slow, steady out-breath is what helps the air move and eases that tight feeling. And don't force it. Let the air flow out gently and smoothly.

Step three. Just repeat the cycle. In through your nose for two. Out through pursed lips for four. Again. Keep going gently until your breathing starts to ease and feel calmer. The more you practice, the more this can become automatic, something your body does on its own when you need it.

Here's a helpful tip. Practice this every day, when you're calm and not short of breath. That way, it's ready the moment you need it.

Your breathing tool works even better with one more thing. Your position. How you sit, and how you lie down, really matters. The right position can give your lungs more room to open up. Let me show you.

Some positions can make breathing easier. When short of breath, sit upright in a chair. Sitting tall gives your lungs more room. To sleep, prop yourself up on two or three pillows, to raise your head and chest. If you still feel tight, lean forward a little, and rest your arms on a table. And one to avoid: try not to lie flat. Lying flat can make fluid press on your lungs, and breathing harder.

Please listen closely. Call for help right away if your breathing does not get better with rest or with these positions. Or if you're severely short of breath even at rest. Or if your lips or fingertips look blue. Or if you have chest pain along with the breathing. These are emergencies. Get help right away.

One more thing to watch for. If you suddenly need more pillows just to sleep and breathe, tell your doctor or nurse.

Can you remember the counts? In through your nose for two. Out through pursed lips for four. Your relief tool.

Now, here's a question. Two simple numbers tell you how hard your heart is working, and most people read them wrong. Want to know what they really mean? Watch next.