3 great breathing techniques:
1. Stretching out your ribcage – stand up straight and breathe out so that your lungs feel empty.
2. Breathing on your back so you inhale and exhale.
3. Stand up and rest your knees, push air out of your lungs. Then, slowly stand back upright and inhale until your lungs are full.
Here are our 5 tips to help you breathe better now we have moved into winter cold season:
Winter is a season where it is best to make sure you are more aware of how this affects your breathing. Stay wrapped up warm, keep moving and if you have an inhaler keep this with you at all times. You may have asthma, COPD or another respiratory illness and remember just be prepared but you can still enjoy day to day activities.
For those who may be new to using medical oxygen as a supplement to breathing this may be your first winter. Winter is not as scary as most of us think, temperatures drop and breathing can become more difficult. Just remember that as long as you are aware you can still do everything you need to each day, You are not alone and winter just means you need to be a bit more careful on how it affects you. Many patients that suffer from respiratory conditions such as COPD, asthma or need to use oxygen after covid may be fearful of the temperature falling. All you need to be aware of is protecting your lungs during this season as you are exposed to the cold air.
3 tips on what to do during winter:
If you are looking to travel during the winter months please do contact our team on what is required and also arrange all your medical oxygen needs. You can visit our website for further information or contact our team directly here.
Summer is here and especially in the UK this year there seems to be an increase in pollen and airborne allergies this summer. The sun is certainly appearing this year but so are the sneezes, itchy eyes, runny noses and also with this comes breathing difficulties.
If you feel short of breathe, cough more than usual or have a tight sensation in your chest this is usually a sign of allergy asthma.
If you are experiencing any symptoms visit your local GP to get diagnosed to receive the correct treatment.
Some allergy sufferers may struggle to breathe and need supplemental oxygen to help maintain a normal daily routine and life abilities such as walking outside or climbing the stairs at home.
If you are suffering this summer more than usual then book an appointment at your local surgery who can best recommend and enjoy summer whilst it is here. Lighter evenings and warmer weather encourages more walking, better diets and mentally being outside is proven it really helps with wellness.
If you do require any medical oxygen to travel abroad then use the contact form on this blog for further details.
With World COPD just passed it is still an important month to continue raising awareness of COPD.
The most important action you can take it taking care of yourself as you main goal each day. There are some simple day to day changes you can make to help manage this respiratory illness to help improve day to day life and management.
For those who need medical oxygen to improve their breathing take a look at our resources and other articles over on our website here.
If you have ever wondered what conditions can be caused when breathing, inflammation of the lungs or problems with respiratory, then here are the main conditions:
It may have been a few years since this article was published but due to a popular interest of wanting to find some simple tips, we have decided to re-publish for our new readers!
Using supplemental oxygen will increase your oxygen levels but there are other tips that can help increase your oxygen levels, its circulation and your body’s ability to take up the additional oxygen and utilise it more efficiently. Take a look at these ideas as in conjunction with your home oxygen therapy a little change could greatly increase your oxygen levels and quality of life.
These 10 ideas will help to improve your oxygen levels:
1. Open your windows. Fresh air will bring additional oxygen into your home and even if you are constantly breathing in oxygen through a cannula, whenever you talk or open your mouth fresh air containing higher oxygen levels can be drawn into your body. If you live in a smoggy area then you could consider investing in an air-filtration system.
2. Plants. They are the opposite of us as they take-in carbon dioxide and expel oxygen. Thereby increasing the foliage and plants in your home will decrease the carbon dioxide and increase the oxygen levels in your home.
3. Aroma. Many of the chemical-filled candles and various other incense type products actually contain carcinogens. Instead it is better to burn all-natural beeswax candles as then you’ll have better luck breathing in oxygen.
4. Exercise. Even a small amount of exercise will help to improve your respiration ability, as your breathing rate increases and deepens your lungs can absorb more oxygen.
5. Increase your water intake. Water is made up of oxygen so by increasing your water consumption you can increase the amount of oxygen in your body.
6. Go Green. Eating more fresh, raw green juices is beneficial as they are full of vitamins and minerals which your body utilises to aid in the uptake of oxygen.
7. Meditation. Daily meditation or just simply sitting quietly and focusing on your breathing and taking deep breaths for a few minutes can greatly help in reducing stress and improving your oxygen intake.
8. Eat lron-rich foods. Your diet can seriously impact your oxygen levels. Certain foods can help improve your oxygen levels in the blood naturally. Target iron-rich foods such as meats, poultry, fish, legumes and green leafy vegetables as they can improve iron deficiency, which in turn improves blood oxygen levels.
9. Cut out Salt. A diet low in sodium can lead to increased oxygenation via the kidney and the blood.
10. Eat green raw foods. Oxygen-rich foods can naturally increase your blood oxygen levels. Try eating more green vegetables like kale, broccoli and celery in order to boost your oxygen levels and hopefully breathe easier.
References: http://lunginstitute.com
Blog article first published 2015
Lung conditions such as COPD, asthma or bronchitis all have varying levels but all patients can help to cope to make daily life more manageable.
Remember that with anything you must always have someone to talk to; this can be a family member, neighbour, work colleague or your nurse but talking really helps to understand and resolve any problems or worries. Joining a group that are also experiencing the same journey will help as you can all relate, help and support one another.
If you have breathlessness learn the breathing techniques from your doctor or support group to understand how to easily control your airways.
Also remember to always make time for yourself; whether this is reading, walking, travelling or another favourite hobby; always do activities that make your happy and give you a sense of enjoyment.
Fatigue, shortness of breath, pressure in the chest, headaches and muscle pain have been surveyed as the most common symptoms after coronavirus.
“More than 9 in 10 people even indicate that they have problems with simple daily activities”.(Longfonds and CIRO knowledge center)
It seems that there is a large amount of people that may be going unheard or untreated especially if not officially diagnosed with Covid-19. People still need care and advice after coronavirus. Many who may not have been ill previously will be scared, have questions and be in a very scary or anxious unknowing if not helped.
According to the study by Longfords the average age was 53 with many healthy prior to the virus. Many complained about not be able to walk properly and certainly being unable to exercise.
For more information please do visit coronalongplein.nl
Covid has affected so many over the last 12 months and in so many ways. Many have lost loved ones; countries have been stretched and also the world has had to react to its ever-changing mutations and effects economically and personally. For those who have had COVID it may not stop and recovery can be long.
If you are short of breath this is a symptom where many are struggling to breathe properly or may even feel as if they are ‘winded’ whereas prior to having the virus they were able to carry on as normal. Simple activities such as gardening, doing housework or even short walks leave you feeling short of breath. You may be feeling more tired regularly and this is also common effects of other respiratory diseases such as COPD, asthma or bronchitis.
Will COVID-19 be added to the list in future as a lung disease?
Please do seek medical advice to help but there are many things you can do to help such as:
– Breathing exercises
– Taking your time and not over exerting your body when doing activities
– Using medical oxygen to help in some severe cases
Covid affects the lungs and it is a common experience for many even after recovery so it is important to make sure you look after yourself.