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How can you care for shortness of breath?
- Do not smoke or allow others to smoke around you. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.
- Get plenty of rest and sleep.
- Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine.
- Find healthy ways to deal with stress.
- Exercise daily.
- Get plenty of sleep.
- Eat regularly and well.
Shortness of breath in children: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think your child may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- Your child has severe trouble breathing. Symptoms may include:
- Using the belly muscles to breathe.
- The chest sinking in or the nostrils flaring when your child struggles to breathe.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- Your child's shortness of breath gets worse or your child starts to wheeze. Wheezing is a high-pitched sound when your child breathes.
- Your child wakes up at night out of breath or has to prop up his or her head on several pillows to breathe.
- Your child is short of breath after only light activity or while at rest.
Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- Your child does not get better over the next 1 to 2 days.
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The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.