Breathlessness is a very frightening symptom - and living with a breathless person can be very stressful.
Having some control over how you breathe, managing panic and some practical ways to cope with everyday activities can really help.
Anxiety and breathlessness are very linked - breathlessness can make you anxious - and when you are anxious you breathe more quickly and less efficiently.
Top tips
- Control your breath - watch the Managing breathlessness video from St Christopher's
- Think about position to get maximum air into your lungs e.g. leaning forward
- A flow of air by your nose from a hand-held fan or open window
- A cool wet flannel over your nose may help
- What helps you to calm - music, TV, relaxation - try some of the guided meditations below
- Eat small regular meals that are soft and don't need too much chewing
- Practical tip - a towelling dressing gown instead of drying with a towel can save energy after a shower
- Do look at the helpful resources section below and review our page on Anxiety towards the end of life
Panic attacks
Think of 4 F's: Fan, Flop muscles, Forward lean, Focus on long breath out
St Christopher's have also produced this video on how to manage a panic attack
To help you calm
St Margaret's Hospice have produced some brief videos to support guided relaxation and meditation
When to seek medical help
- If breathlessness is new or has suddenly changed. There may be a treatable cause such as a chest infection or fluid collecting around the lung which can easily be drained
- If breathlessness is very distressing and can't be managed with the strategies listed on this page. Medications such as morphine and lorazepam are commonly prescribed for people who are distressed by difficulty breathing towards the end of life
Helpful resources
- A Simple booklet to help you to live with breathlessness (see downloads)
- A more detailed booklet Bringing Breathlessness Into View
- There is comprehensive detail on the Supporting breathlessness website which is designed for carers of people suffering with breathlessness
St Christopher's have produced 4 very short videos (each less than 4 minutes)
- to help with breathing techniques
- ways to manage thoughts
- ideas to help with daily life
- how to manage a panic attack
Meet and share with other people how to live better with breathlessness, you could try a Breathe Easy group if there is one near you