–
Shortness of breath due to coughing can indeed interfere with activities. Do not underestimate because these symptoms could be due to a disease.
For that, know the causes and how to deal with shortness of breath due to coughing. Check out the full explanation below.
Causes of Shortness of Breath Due to Cough
Shortness of breath may naturally be felt when someone finishes doing activities that drain energy.
However, the problem is shortness of breath that appears suddenly and is accompanied by coughing.
Quoting Primaya Hospital, the causes of shortness of breath due to coughing can be divided into two, namely sudden (acute) or long-standing (chronic).
1. Problems with the Lungs or Respiratory Tract
Sudden (acute) shortness of breath can be a sign of an asthma attack. In this condition, the respiratory tract through which air passes narrows.
In addition, the lungs produce phlegm which in turn makes it difficult for air to enter and exit through the respiratory tract.
Lung inflammation or pneumonia can also cause shortness of breath due to sudden coughing.
2. Panic Attacks
Panic attacks that suddenly appear caused by certain situations can make a person breathe very quickly and deeply. Panic also often causes shortness of breath accompanied by coughing.
3. Heart problems
Even though the heart is not a respiratory organ, the cause of shortness of breath due to coughing can originate from heart problems.
One of the symptoms of a heart attack, for example, is chest pain and anxiety, which is often accompanied by shortness of breath.
Heart failure can also have an impact on breathing difficulties. This is caused by a buildup of fluid in the lungs.
Heart rhythm disturbances, how fast the heart beats are also associated with the emergence of respiratory problems.
4. Other Causes
Other causes of acute shortness of breath due to coughing are:
- Severe allergic reaction
- Pneumothorax (part of the lung collapses due to a small tear on the surface of the lung, so that air is trapped in the space around the lung
- Pulmonary embolism (blockage of blood vessels in the lung)
- Pulmonary fibrosis (crease of scar tissue in the lungs)
- Pleural effusion (fluid buildup near the lung)
- Diabetic ketoacidosis (a complication of diabetes in the form of a buildup of acid in the blood and urine)
Meanwhile, the causes of chronic shortness of breath are:
- Obesity
- Uncontrolled asthma
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Anemia
How to Overcome Shortness of Breath Due to Coughing in General
There are various efforts that can be made to overcome shortness of breath, for example by doing certain breathing techniques. Here are four ways:
1. Pursing Lip Breathing
Citing Healthline, this breathing helps release trapped air from the lungs.
This method can be done whenever you feel short of breath, especially when doing difficult activities such as bending, lifting objects, or climbing stairs.
The method is:
- Relax the neck and shoulder muscles.
- Inhale slowly through the nose for two counts, closing the mouth.
- Pucker your lips as if you are going to whistle.
- Exhale slowly and gently through pursed lips to a count of four.
2. Sit facing the table
You can sit in a chair propping yourself up on a table. Adjust the position as comfortable as possible to catch your breath. This position creates more space for the lungs in the chest.
- Sit in a chair with your feet flat on the floor facing the table.
- Lean your chest slightly forward and rest your arms on the table.
- Place your head on your arm or on a pillow.
3. Stand leaning back
Standing can help relax the body. Here’s how:
- Stand near a wall, lean your hips against the wall.
- Open your feet shoulder width apart and rest your hands on your thighs.
- With shoulders relaxed, lean forward slightly.
4. Consumption of Drugs
To overcome shortness of breath, you can also take medicine. The drugs that are usually given are:
- Antidepressant medication to calm panic attacks.
- Sputum thinning drug.
- Allergy medicine if the cause of shortness of breath and coughing is due to an allergic reaction.
- Blood thinners if shortness of breath is due to blood clots.
How to Overcome Shortness of Breath due to Cough Naturally
Consuming natural ingredients you can also do to overcome shortness of breath.
1. Drink Black Coffee
Quoting the Times of India, coffee has proven to be quite effective for dealing with asthma. Black coffee can improve lung function and overcome shortness of breath.
2. Drink Ginger Tea
Drinking ginger tea can help calm down. Ginger can help relieve shortness of breath caused by respiratory infections.
Who is at risk of shortness of breath when coughing?
Someone who has respiratory problems is at risk of experiencing shortness of breath when coughing. However, the risk can be higher for:
1. People who are often exposed to cigarette smoke
Quoting Primaya Hospital, cigarette smoke has a very bad impact on respiratory organs, especially the lungs.
People who smoke regularly are at high risk of developing lung disease, while people who are frequently exposed to cigarette smoke are also more at risk of experiencing shortness of breath due to coughing.
2. People Who Have Allergies
There are some allergies that cause a reaction in the form of coughing. If allergies are not controlled, the sufferer is prone to experiencing shortness of breath due to coughing.
3. Female Gender
According to a number of studies, women’s cough reflex is more sensitive, so they are more at risk of experiencing a chronic cough accompanied by shortness of breath.
4. People Exposed to Pollutants
Pollutants or substances that cause air pollution contain toxins that are harmful to the lungs and other organs. Types of pollutants include dust and smoke from combustion.
Those are a number of causes of shortness of breath due to coughing and how to overcome them. Know exactly what causes the shortness of breath that you feel. So that the handling can be specific.
Watch Video “In the aftermath of a new case of kidney failure, the Ministry of Health asks residents not to buy their own medicine“
(each/inf)
