Breathing Problems and How to Help:
If you’re the caregiver for a loved one who is having difficulty breathing, lung cancer or another lung disease such as mesothelioma, it can be hard to know how to help. This article will help you recognize the symptoms of breathing problems and give you tips on how to make your loved one more comfortable.
Symptoms of Breathing Problems
If your loved one experiences any of the following problems, they may be having difficulty breathing:
- Feeling winded when exercising or when resting, eating, or talking
- Chest pain
- Faster breathing and heartrate
- Wheezing
- Nostrils flaring while breathing
- Bluish or pale looking skin, fingernails, or mouth
- Cold and clammy skin
- Using neck, shoulder, chest, and abdominal muscles to breathe
How to Help
While it can be easy to panic when it’s hard to breathe, help your patient remain calm. You can also try some of the following:
- Help your patient change positions. Sitting up or leaning over a table or with hands on knees may help.
- Listen to your patient when they tell you what seems to help.
- Use relaxation techniques to help them remain calm.
- Have your patient sit near a window or blow a fan across their face.
- Use pursed lips breathing: Inhale deeply through the nose and exhale for twice as long through pursed lips.
- Remain calm, friendly, and empathetic. Your attitude will affect how your loved one reacts.
- Don’t leave your patient or loved one alone when they’re having breathing difficulties.
When to Call the Doctor
It’s time to call the doctor or 911 when:
- New shortness of breath occurs suddenly and doesn’t get better.
- If the nails, mouth, or skin look pale or blue.
- If your loved one has chest discomfort, trouble speaking, dizziness or weakness.
If you or a loved one have been exposed to asbestos and have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, you may be entitled to compensation. For a FREE consultation, call the Madeksho Law Firm at 1-888-910-MESO (6376), or contact us here.
