Some common factors that compromise the delivery of oxygen from the lungs to the blood stream (hypoxemia) are:
• Conditions of the lung such as chronic Bronchitis, emphysema or pneumonia
• Cardiopulmonary disorders that result in poor blood flow can compromise blood oxygen levels such as congestive heart failure
• Anemia
• Cigarette smoking
Low blood pressure
• A blocked airway
• ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome)
• Certain medications, such as narcotics and anesthetics, which depress breathing
• Congenital heart disease — heart defects that are present at birth
• COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
• Emphysema
• High altitudes
• Interstitial lung disease
• Pneumonia
• Pneumothorax
Pulmonary edema
• Pulmonary embolism
• Pulmonary fibrosis
• Sleep apnea
SEE YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE IF YOU EXPERIENCE:
Shortness of breath after slight exertion or when you’re at rest
• Shortness of breath that gets worse when you exercise or are physically active
• Abrupt awakenings with shortness of breath or a feeling that you’re choking — these may be symptoms of sleep apnea
• Severe shortness of breath that comes on suddenly and affects your ability to function
• Severe shortness of breath with headache, insomnia, fluid retention and cough at high elevations (above 8,000 feet, or about 2,400 meters) — these are signs and symptoms of high-altitude pulmonary edema, which can be fatal without appropriate care
NATURAL TIPS TO IMPROVE SHORTNESS OF BREATH:
• Ensure that you are properly hydrated as dehydration greatly contributes to circulatory sluggishness, reduces heat and there have been recent studies linking dehydration to chronic health conditions such as pain, decreased circulation and inflammation
Increase the consumption of essential fatty acids to help improve circulation, foods which contain good oils are fish, olive oil, nuts and seeds, flaxseed oil and avocados
• Use herbs in cooking which help the circulation to better circulate oxygen such as Chilli, Garlic, Paprika, Onion, Thyme, Ginger and Turmeric
• In addition, aim for a healthy lifestyle with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, quality organic dairy products, a wide range of quality protein sources in your diet such as legumes, eggs, organic meats, nuts and seeds
• Increase foods which contain B Vitamins such as potatoes, bananas, lentils, tempeh, liver, turkey, fish, tuna, brewers yeast, molasses, grains and green leafy vegetables (e.g. broccoli, spinach, kale and dark lettuces)
LIFESTYLE FACTORS FOR IMPROVING SHORTNESS OF BREATH:
• Avoid alcohol and smoking as these dramatically reduce peripheral circulation
• Begin an exercise regime to improve circulation, removal of wastes, oxygenate the blood, encourage general wellbeing and break down congestion which may contribute to sluggish circulation
• Address underlying cardiovascular conditions
• Stop smoking. If you’ve been diagnosed with COPD or other lung disease, the single most important thing you can do is to quit smoking
• Avoid passive smoke. Avoid places where others smoke. Secondhand smoke can cause further lung damage
Get regular, gentle exercise. It may seem difficult to exercise when you have trouble breathing, but regular exercise can improve your overall strength and endurance
• Swimming and walking are positive exercise to gently increase lung function without aggravating
• Symptoms of insufficient peripheral circulation may be caused by a deficiency of B Vitamins
• Gingko Biloba is a herb traditionally used to improve peripheral circulation to the feet, hands and brain which may help to reduce heat by reducing congestion and increase oxygenation. Other herbs which assist in circulation are Ginger, Gotu Kola, Black Pepper, Turmeric and Bacopa
• Fish oil is a potent anti-inflammatory for the cardiovascular system which supports circulation and reduces capillary congestion to help improve the way that oxygen is transported throughout the body
• Vitamin E is an antioxidant for cardiovascular health, a blood thinner, improves circulation and is also an anti-inflammatory
• CoQ10 is an important nutrient for the circulation, especially if you suffer from high cholesterol or high blood pressure. CoQ10 has an effect on improving circulation and oxygenation
