Shortness of Breath (SOB): Home and Siddha Remedies

Shortness of breath (SOB), also known as dyspnea is a feeling of not being able to breathe well enough. The American Thoracic Society defines it as “a subjective experience of breathing discomfort that consists of qualitatively distinct sensations, which vary in intensity”, and recommends evaluating dyspnea by assessing the intensity of the distinct sensations, the degree of distress involved, and its burden or impact on activities of daily living. Siddha Spirituality of Swami Hardas Life System appeals to our valuable readers that there is not only Coronavirus/COVID- 19 when shortness of breath is a symptom. There are many other diseases when shortness of breath acts as a symptom.

Definition of Shortness of breath

The American Thoracic Society defines dyspnea as: “A subjective experience of breathing discomfort that consists of qualitatively distinct sensations, which vary in intensity.” Other definitions describe it as “difficulty in breathing”, “disordered or inadequate breathing”, “uncomfortable awareness of breathing”, and as the experience of “breathlessness”.

Symptoms of Shortness of breath

Symptoms that appear with shortness of breath include:

• A tight sensation in the chest
• Need to breathe more or more quickly
• The body can’t get enough oxygen quickly enough
• Might notice yourself becoming increasingly short of breath over a long period of time, or it could happen out of the blue.

Sometimes it can even strike while resting, such as when you’re sitting at desk at work. Prolonged sitting can cause shortness of breath by way of bad posture.

Causes of Shortness of breath

Anxiety — whether acute and situational or a chronic disorder — can cause feel short of breath. Anxiety or panic attacks can sometimes be mistaken for a heart attack. But you don’t have to experience a full-blown attack to feel short of breath. Low-level anxiety can cause this too.

Shortness of breath can often occur due to other circumstances, such as:

• High altitudes
• Air pollution: Poor air quality, such as that due to carbon monoxide or smog
• Temperature extremes
• Strenuous exercise

Having knots in muscles, especially on trigger points, can sometimes feel short of breath.

Certain medical conditions can cause shortness of breath, both acute and chronic, such as:

• Allergies
• Anemia
• Asthma
• Congestive heart failure
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Guillain-Barré syndrome
• Heart arrhythmia or heart attack
• Heart disease
• Lung disease
• Myasthenia gravis
• Obesity
• Pleurisy
• Pneumonia
• Pulmonary edema
• Pulmonary arterial hypertension
• Sarcoidosis
• Tuberculosis
• Pulmonary embolism

Diagnosis of Shortness of breath

While shortness of breath is generally caused by disorders of the cardiac or respiratory system, other systems such as neurological, musculoskeletal, endocrine, hematologic, and psychiatric may be the cause.

The most common cardiovascular causes are acute myocardial infarction and congestive heart failure while common pulmonary causes include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, pneumothorax, pulmonary edema, and pneumonia. 

The tempo of onset and the duration of dyspnea are useful in knowing the etiology of dyspnea. Shortness of breath is usually connected with sudden physiological changes, such as laryngeal edema, bronchospasm, myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, or pneumothorax. 

Acute coronary syndrome

ACS frequently presents with retrosternal chest discomfort and difficulty catching the breath. It however may atypically present with shortness of breath alone. Risk factors include:

• Old age
• Smoking
• Hypertension
• Hyperlipidemia
• Diabetes Mellitus

An electrocardiogram and cardiac enzymes are important both for diagnosis and directing treatment. Treatment involves measures to decrease the oxygen requirement of the heart and efforts to increase blood flow.

COVID-19

People that have been infected by COVID-19 may have symptoms such as a fever, dry cough, loss of smell and taste, or shortness of breath.

Congestive heart failure

Congestive heart failure frequently presents with shortness of breath with exertion, orthopnea, and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea. It affects between 1–2% of the general United States population and occurs in 10% of those over 65 years old. Risk factors for acute decompensation include:

• High dietary salt intake
• Medication noncompliance
• Cardiac ischemia
• Abnormal heart rhythms
• Kidney failure
• Pulmonary emboli
• Hypertension
• Infections

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), most commonly emphysema or chronic bronchitis, frequently have chronic shortness of breath and a chronic productive cough. An acute exacerbation presents with increased shortness of breath and sputum production.

COPD is a risk factor for pneumonia; thus this condition should be ruled out. In an acute exacerbation, treatment is with a combination of anticholinergics, beta₂-adrenoceptor agonists, steroids, and possibly positive pressure ventilation.

Asthma

Asthma is the most common reason for presenting to the emergency room with shortness of breath. It is the most common lung disease in both developing and developed countries affecting about 5% of the population. Other symptoms include wheezing, tightness in the chest, and a non-productive cough.

Inhaled corticosteroids are the preferred treatment for children, however, these drugs can reduce the growth rate. Acute symptoms are treated with short-acting bronchodilators.

Pneumothorax

Pneumothorax presents typically with pleuritic chest pain of acute onset and shortness of breath not improved with oxygen. Physical findings may include absent breath sounds on one side of the chest, jugular venous distension, and tracheal deviation.

Pneumonia

The symptoms of pneumonia are fever, productive cough, shortness of breath, and pleuritic chest pain. Inspiratory crackles may be heard on the exam. A chest x-ray can be useful to differentiate pneumonia from congestive heart failure. As the cause is usually a bacterial infection, antibiotics are typically used for treatment.

Pulmonary embolism

Pulmonary embolism classically presents with an acute onset of shortness of breath. Other presenting symptoms include pleuritic chest pain, cough, hemoptysis, and fever. Risk factors include deep vein thrombosis, recent surgery, cancer, and previous thromboembolism. It must always be considered in those with acute onset of shortness of breath owing to its high risk of mortality.

Diagnosis, however, may be difficult and Wells Score is often used to assess the clinical probability. Treatment, depending on the severity of symptoms, typically starts with anticoagulants; the presence of ominous signs (low blood pressure) may warrant the use of thrombolytic drugs.

Anemia

Anemia that develops gradually usually presents with exertional dyspnea, fatigue, weakness, and tachycardia. It may lead to heart failure. Anemia is often a cause of dyspnea. Menstruation, particularly if excessive, can contribute to anemia and to consequential dyspnea in women.

Headaches are also a symptom of dyspnea in patients suffering from anemia. Some patients report a numb sensation in their head, and others have reported blurred vision caused by hypotension behind the eye due to a lack of oxygen and pressure; these patients have also reported severe head pains, many of which lead to permanent brain damage. Symptoms can include loss of concentration, focus, fatigue, language faculty impairment, and memory loss.

Other diagnoses of Shortness of breath 

Other important or common causes of shortness of breath include cardiac tamponade, anaphylaxis, interstitial lung disease, panic attacks, and pulmonary hypertension. Also, around 2/3 of women experience shortness of breath as a part of a normal pregnancy.

Cardiac tamponade presents with dyspnea, tachycardia, elevated jugular venous pressure, and pulsus paradoxus. The gold standard for diagnosis is ultrasound.

Anaphylaxis typically begins over a few minutes in a person with a previous history of the same. Other symptoms include urticaria, throat swelling, and gastrointestinal upset. The primary treatment is epinephrine.

Interstitial lung disease presents with gradual onset of shortness of breath typically with a history of a predisposing environmental exposure. Shortness of breath is often the only symptom in those with tachydysrhythmias.

Panic attacks typically present with hyperventilation, sweating, and numbness. They are however a diagnosis of exclusion.

Neurological conditions such as spinal cord injury, phrenic nerve injuries, Guillain–Barré syndrome, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, and muscular dystrophy can all cause an individual to experience shortness of breath. Shortness of breath can also occur as a result of vocal cord dysfunction (VCD).

Pathophysiology of Shortness of breath

Different physiological pathways may lead to shortness of breath including via ASIC chemoreceptors, mechanoreceptors, and lung receptors.

Main components

It is thought that three main components contribute to dyspnea: afferent signals, efferent signals, and central information processing. It is believed the central processing in the brain compares the afferent and efferent signals; and dyspnea results when a “mismatch” occurs between the two: such as when the need for ventilation (afferent signaling) is not being met by physical breathing (efferent signaling).

Sensory neuronal signals

Afferent signals are sensory neuronal signals that ascend to the brain. Afferent neurons significant in dyspnea arise from a large number of sources including the carotid bodies, medulla, lungs, and chest wall. Chemoreceptors in the carotid bodies and medulla supply information regarding the blood gas levels of O₂, CO_2, and H⁺.

Juxtacapillary (J) receptors

In the lungs, juxtacapillary (J) receptors are sensitive to pulmonary interstitial edema, while stretch receptors signal bronchoconstriction. Muscle spindles in the chest wall signal the stretch and tension of the respiratory muscles. Thus, poor ventilation leading to hypercapnia, left heart failure leading to interstitial edema (impairing gas exchange), asthma causing bronchoconstriction (limiting airflow) and muscle fatigue leading to ineffective respiratory muscle action could all contribute to a feeling of dyspnea.

Motor neuronal signals

Efferent signals are the motor neuronal signals descending to the respiratory muscles. The most important respiratory muscle is the diaphragm. Other respiratory muscles include the external and internal intercostal muscles, the abdominal muscles, and the accessory breathing muscles.

Respiration

As the brain receives its plentiful supply of afferent information relating to ventilation, it is able to compare it to the current level of respiration as determined by the efferent signals. If the level of respiration is inappropriate for the body’s status then dyspnea might occur. There is also a psychological component to dyspnea, as some people may become aware of their breathing in such circumstances but not experience the typical distress of dyspnea.

Evaluation of Shortness of breath

mMRC breathlessness scale

Grade	Degree of dyspnea
0	No dyspnea except with strenuous exercise
1	Dyspnea when walking up an incline or hurrying on the level
2	Walks slower than most on the level, or stops after 15 minutes of walking
3	Stops after a few minutes of walking on the level
4	With a minimal activity such as getting dressed, etc

The initial approach to evaluation begins with an assessment of the airway, breathing, and circulation followed by a medical history and physical examination.

Signs that represent significant severity include:

• Hypotension
• Hypoxemia
• Tracheal deviation
• Altered mental status
• Unstable dysrhythmia
• Stridor
• Intercostal indrawing
• Cyanosis
• Tripod positioning
• Pronounced use of accessory muscles
• Absent breath sounds.

A number of scales may be used to quantify the degree of shortness of breath. It may be subjectively rated on a scale from 1 to 10 with descriptors associated with the number. Alternatively, a scale such as the MRC breathlessness scale might be used – it suggests five grades of dyspnea based on the circumstances in which it arises.

Blood tests

A number of labs may be helpful in determining the cause of shortness of breath. D-dimer, while useful to rule out a pulmonary embolism in those who are at low risk, is not of much value if it is positive, as it may be positive in a number of conditions that lead to shortness of breath.

A low level of brain natriuretic peptide is useful in ruling out congestive heart failure; however, a high level, while supportive of the diagnosis, could also be due to advanced age, kidney failure, acute coronary syndrome, or a large pulmonary embolism.

Imaging

A chest x-ray is useful to confirm or rule out a pneumothorax, pulmonary edema, or pneumonia. Spiral computed tomography with intravenous radiocontrast is the imaging study of choice to evaluate for pulmonary embolism.

Treatment for Shortness of breath

The primary treatment of shortness of breath is directed at its underlying cause. Extra oxygen is effective in those with hypoxia; however, this has no effect on those with normal blood oxygen saturation.

Physiotherapy for Shortness of breath

Individuals can benefit from a variety of physical therapy interventions. Persons with neurological/neuromuscular abnormalities may have breathing difficulties due to weak or paralyzed intercostal, abdominal, and/or other muscles needed for ventilation.

Some physical therapy interventions for this population include actively assisted cough techniques, volume augmentation such as breath stacking, education about body position and ventilation patterns, and movement strategies to facilitate breathing.

Pulmonary rehabilitation may alleviate symptoms in some people, such as those with COPD, but will not cure the underlying disease. Fan therapy to the face has been shown to relieve shortness of breath in patients with a variety of advanced illnesses including cancer. The mechanism of action is thought to be the stimulation of the trigeminal nerve.

Palliative medicine for Shortness of breath

Systemic immediate-release opioids are beneficial in emergently reducing the symptom of shortness of breath due to both cancer and non-cancer causes; long-acting/sustained-release opioids are also used to prevent/continue treatment of dyspnea in the palliative setting. There is a lack of evidence to recommend midazolam, nebulized opioids, the use of gas mixtures, or cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Risk factors of Shortness of breath

You’re at risk for shortness of breath or other related conditions when:

• Muscles are weak, especially those involved in breathing, such as your diaphragm
• Have asthma or other chronic respiratory conditions such as COPD or cystic fibrosis
• Hemoglobin levels are low
• Smoking is a habit
• Work or living space includes things that trigger your asthma

Home remedies for Shortness of breath

Dyspnea or shortness of breath is an uncomfortable and distressing experience. We all have experienced it on different occasions like after climbing 4-5 sets of stairs or when suffering from a cold due to the presence of mucus in the lungs. Occasional breathlessness can be easily managed at home, but if this happens every second day, then it is better to consult your doctor. Here are some simple home remedies to alleviate your shortness of breath:

Black coffee

Coffee contains caffeine, which can reduce the tightness in the muscles present in the airway. This remedy has proven to be quite effective for people suffering from Asthma. Black coffee can improve lung function and help overcome the problem of breathlessness. But avoid it if it does not suit.

Ginger

Having fresh ginger or ginger tea also helps calm down. Ginger may help reduce shortness of breath caused due to a respiratory infection. The common herb has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce inflammation in the lungs.

Pursed lips breathing

This simple breathing technique can help manage the problem of breathlessness. It can slow the pace of breathing, making each breath deeper, and will provide comfort. Here is how can do it:

• Sit down on the floor or a chair in a comfortable position with the back straight.
• Slowly inhale through the nose for 4 to 5 seconds. Fill abdomen with the air, instead of lungs.
• Purse lips and breath out for 4 to 6 seconds.
• Repeat the same 10 to 20 times to return to a normal state.

Inhaling steam

If there is difficulty in breathing when suffering from a cold then it can be due to mucus formation in the lungs. Inhale steam to break the mucus and clear air passage.

Sit close to the fan

A study suggests that cool air can help provide relief from the problem of breathlessness. When feeling uncomfortable and finding it difficult to breathe, sit close to a fan. Feeling the force of air while breathing helps you calm down.

Siddha remedies for Shortness of breath

1. Siddha preventive measures

Everybody must practice Siddha preventive measures, whether a person is affected with shortness of breath or not, but preventive measures are the primary steps for switching on to any other Siddha remedies, and hence they are important. It helps in one’s capability, effectiveness, and productivity, decision making power, intellectuality, and removing minor health problems. There are three types of preventive measures:

• Earthing – performed for earthing the negativity of our body
• Field Cleaning – cleans the energy field (Aura) of our body
• Siddha Brain Exercise/Energizing – energizes our brain for proper functionality

Everybody’s tendency is to get attracted to the word ‘free‘, however, don’t neglect even these Siddha preventive measures are free. Avail of the benefits by practicing them sincerely, and regularly. For the ease of understanding what Siddha preventive measures are, please watch a video for a live demonstration.

2. Siddha Shaktidata Yog

This unique Siddha Shaktidata Yog of Siddha Spirituality can solve the problems related to shortness of breath with Siddha remedies. There is no compulsion of training of ‘Swami Hardas Life System’ methods. This not only gives benefits to self but also it can be used for other affected persons, whether a person is in the same house, distantly available in the same city, same nation, or might be in any corner of the world, however, both the procedures have been explained here.

3. Siddha Kalyan Sadhana

Recite this Sadhana with a Sankalp “My problems of the shortness of breath are solved as early as possible and I should gain health”, which should be repeated in mind 3 – 3 times every after each stanza. Any person irrespective of caste, creed, religion, faith, sex, and age can recite this Sadhana for free, which should be repeated at least twice in a day. To know more, please click on this link.

4. CCPE products 

These products work on the concepts of ‘Conceptual Creative Positive Energy’ (CCPE) within the provisions of the ‘CCPE Life System’ and the theory of Quantum Technology to a certain extent. However, the products get activated only whenever touched by a human and then they become capable of solving the problem and achieving health. However, please use these products for shortness of breath as mentioned below:

CCPE Extractor: The CCPE Extractor should be gently moved over the Agya Chakra in a circular motion at least for 30 to 60 seconds, thereafter, follow the same process on the throat, and chest for another 30 to 60 seconds, which finishes within almost 2 – 4 minutes.

CCPE Booster: Keep one Booster over the Agya Chakra and another one each over the throat, and chest for 3 – 6 minutes. You may need to have 3 Boosters, which establishes positivity.  

5. A daily routine for Shortness of breath

In general, a daily routine may look like this:

• Increase physical activities e.g. exercise, walking, swimming, and consume Sattvik diet, etc
• Perform breathing exercises regularly
• Apply free Siddha remedies a minimum 3 times a day, as explained above
• Practice Ananda meditation or Acem meditation regularly
• Chant any mantra as per your religion or belief while lying down for better sleep
• In case, if someone wishes to learn advanced methods of Swami Hardas Life System, undergo unique training
• Perform Swayamsiddha Agnihotra daily, if feasible

Ensure to sprinkle in some fun during the day: Don’t forget to relax and laugh in between. Laughing is a great way to boost your immune system and help you.

Along with all the above activities, apply above explained free Siddha remedies minimum 3 times a day, the more is good. Just try the methods of Siddha Spirituality of Swami Hardas Life System. I am confident that you will surely find improvements within 7 days.

Training of Swami Hardas Life System

Any problem with regard to health, peace, and progress can be solved independently without money and medicines by undergoing training of Swami Hardas Life System. Any person irrespective of religion, caste, creed, faith, sex, and age can undergo this unique training.

Conclusion

In view of the above, I am confident that you have learned about the shortness of breath, symptoms, causes, diagnosis, risk factors, physiopathology, treatments, home remedies, and Siddha remedies. Now, you have become self-sufficient, hence it’s the right time to use your acquired knowledge for solving problems as per the provision available in Siddha Spirituality of Swami Hardas Life System.

However, keep learning and practicing the free Siddha remedies, which would help guide how to solve various problems regarding health, peace, and progress, without money and medicines.

After reading this article, how would you rate it? Would you please let me know your precious thoughts? 

DISCLAIMER

The opinions expressed in this article are the personal opinions of the concerned site owners. Siddha Spirituality For Health is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this article. However, it is advisable to consult a specialist in the concerned field before availing of the benefits. Hence we do not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

 

Reference:

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shortness_of_breath
• https://www.healthline.com/health/what-does-shortness-of-breath-feel-like#causes
• https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/home-remedies/5-effective-home-remedy-for-shortness-of-breath/photostory/78555937.cms?picid=78555959