Researchers at King’s are transforming how breathlessness is understood and managed. A recent Better Health & Care Hub webinar brought together King’s experts Professor Irene Higginson, Dr Joanne Bayly and Professor Monica Busse-Morris, to share simple, evidence-based techniques to manage breathlessness and help people live more comfortably.
What causes breathlessness?
Understanding what causes breathlessness can help people to manage it. During the webinar, Professor Irene Higginson explained that breathlessness happens when the brain senses a mismatch between how much oxygen the body needs and how much it receives. This can happen for several reasons:
- The lungs or heart not working well enough to supply or circulate oxygen
- Anxiety or panic making breathlessness feel worse
- Weaker muscles requiring more oxygen and making movement less efficient
This can lead to a vicious cycle of breathlessness leading to less activity, weaker muscles, and more breathlessness.
Below, we explore some of the practical strategies Dr Joanne Bayly shared during the webinar.
Simple strategies to manage breathlessness
Recovering from breathlessness
1. Recognise early signs
An important step in managing breathlessness is recognising the early signs. Sensing that breathlessness is coming and being able to pause, helps to prevent symptoms from worsening.
2. Use a handheld fan
Using a handheld fan directed at the nose and mouth is a simple way to ease breathlessness. It stimulates facial nerves that help to slow breathing and reduce discomfort. Some people find it helpful to keep fans in several places, like around the house or in the car, so there’s always one within reach.
3. Breathing techniques
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all technique, and it’s important to speak to a healthcare team about what’s best for you. But a few key things can make a big difference.
An important starting point is focusing on breathing out slowly. This allows us to empty the lungs and create more space for them to fill up with air in the next breath.
Pursed‑lip breathing is an easy breathing technique that helps people who feel short of breath. You simply breathe in gently through your nose, then breathe out slowly through lips that are slightly tightened like you’re softly blowing out a candle. This slows your breathing down and helps keep your airways open longer so air can leave your lungs more easily. As a result, breathing feels calmer, less rushed, and more comfortable. Many people use it during everyday activities, like walking, climbing stairs, or when a sudden wave of breathlessness comes on because it helps them feel more in control of their breathing.
People with breathlessness can also benefit from diaphragmatic or ‘belly’ breathing, which sends calming signals to the brain. This technique can be harder for those who naturally breath from the chest, so it’s helpful to practice when not breathless. Many also find that meditative or religious breathing practices they already know offer a powerful way to manage breathlessness.
4. Support from family
Family members can play an important role in supporting someone with breathlessness. Simple reassurance – like reminding them they can get their breath back – can boost confidence and help them stay calm.
5. Positions of ease
Body position can have a big effect on how easy it is to breath. Sitting upright with a gentle arch in the lower back makes is much easier to take a deep breath, while slumping makes breathing more difficult. Supporting the arms on a table or pillow provides support for the upper body and helps to recover breathing more easily. Many people also identify a ‘recovery place’ – a comfortable, safe spot, such as a chair at a table – where they can go to catch their breath.