Why am I breathless?
Breathlessness can come from lung conditions, heart conditions, deconditioning, anaemia, anxiety, or a breathing pattern disorder, and often a mix of these. New or unexplained breathlessness should always be checked by your GP. Once medical causes have been looked at, physiotherapy is very effective at helping you manage it.
How respiratory physiotherapy helps
- Breathing control and recovery positions to settle breathlessness faster.
- Retraining dysfunctional breathing patterns (for example, upper-chest or mouth breathing).
- Exercise to improve fitness, so everyday tasks take less effort.
- Pacing and planning strategies for daily life.
- Inspiratory muscle training and a hand-held fan where helpful.