Home remedies for shortness of breath

Shortness of breath may feel like difficulty getting enough air, chest tightness or unusually hard breathing. Causes range from acute bronchitis or asthma to anaemia, heart conditions such as angina or atrial fibrillation, and chronic lung disease such as COPD or bronchiectasis. The sensation alone cannot identify the cause, so avoid relying on home remedies when it is new or unexplained.

Stop exertion and sit upright, leaning slightly forward with your shoulders relaxed. Breathe slowly and gently; avoid forcing deep breaths if that makes the sensation worse. Move away from smoke, fumes or a suspected irritant. If you have an asthma action plan or another prescribed rescue medicine, follow it exactly. Do not borrow inhalers, use leftover antibiotics or delay assessment because a home measure gives temporary relief. Have someone stay with you if symptoms are significant.

Call emergency services for sudden or severe breathlessness, blue or grey lips, inability to speak in full sentences, fainting, confusion, severe chest pain, or swelling of the face, lips or tongue. Treat rapidly developing breathing difficulty after food, medicine or an insect sting as an emergency because anaphylaxis is possible. Arrange prompt medical review for new, recurrent or gradually worsening breathlessness, including breathlessness with palpitations, fever, wheeze or ankle swelling.

What is the likely cause of my breathlessness? Do I need lung, heart or blood tests? Which inhaler or action plan should I use? How can I recognise an asthma flare, an allergic emergency or a heart-related warning sign?