“Breathing Exercises for COVID-19 - Healthline” plus 1 more
“Breathing Exercises for COVID-19 - Healthline” plus 1 more |
| Breathing Exercises for COVID-19 - Healthline Posted: 13 Apr 2021 01:59 PM PDT Breathing exercises can strengthen the lungs and may be beneficial for reducing the impact of COVID-19 before, during, and after it strikes. The breathing exercises we outline in this article won't prevent COVID-19, but they may help mitigate the symptoms affecting your respiratory system. They are also helpful for alleviating stress you may be feeling in the midst of this pandemic. As we've come to know, COVID-19 presents differently in different people. Inflammation in the lungs and airways are common symptoms that make breathing difficult. These symptoms can accompany mild, moderate, or severe COVID. People who get very sick from COVID-19 may experience pneumonia as a result. This causes the lungs to fill with fluid and mucus, making it even harder to breathe and get the oxygen your body needs to function. If you have a condition such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or moderate to severe asthma, you may already have reduced lung capacity and trouble breathing. These conditions cause chronic inflammation of the lungs, which can significantly worsen in people who get COVID-19. COVID affects the entire respiratory tract, further obstructing airflow. It can trigger asthma attacks and cause acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Deep breathing exercises that clear the lungs and strengthen lung function may be especially beneficial for people with these conditions. Breathing exercises get oxygen deep into the lungs, which helps you clear out mucus and other fluids. During recovery, breathing exercises work to strengthen the diaphragm, a major respiratory muscle located under the lungs. It can also help increase lung capacity, bringing much-needed oxygen into your bloodstream. Deep breathing exercises also help you feel calm, which may be beneficial for coping with long-term illness and recovery. Breathing exercises do not prevent COVID-19 and should not be used in place of mask wearing, social distancing, or getting vaccinated. Breathing exercises can, however, strengthen your lungs, which may reduce COVID-19's impact on your respiratory system. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 19 randomized controlled studies found that breathing techniques, such as pursed lips breathing, reduce shortness of breath. Breathing exercises also improved lung ventilation, which is the ability of the lungs to expel carbon dioxide and stale air. Pursed lip breathingPursed lip breathing gets more oxygen into your lungs than regular breathing can. It also keeps your airways open longer by reducing the number of breaths you take per minute. Follow these steps to try pursed lip breathing:
 Aerobic exerciseAny form of energetic exercise that makes you breathe more quickly is, in essence, a breathing exercise. This includes brisk walking, running, swimming, or any activity that increases heart rate and breathing rate. Exercising regularly supports lung health. And healthy lungs may be your best defense against COVID-19, should you become infected. COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a coronavirus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the most common symptoms of COVID-19 include:
Or if you one of these symptoms or conditions:
In people with acute COVID, symptoms usually start between 2 and 14 days after exposure and resolves within 2 weeks. Some people have lingering symptoms, such as shortness of breath and fatigue for a longer period of time. If you have COVID-19, talk with your doctor before starting breathing exercises. If you have shortness of breath while resting, an irregular heartbeat, or chest pain, you may worsen your symptoms by exercising. In addition to pursed lip breathing, other breathing exercises may also help while recuperating from COVID-19. An analysis of multiple studies by integrative medicine practitioners found that Qigong, a practice that utilizes deep breathing and slow movements, improved pulmonary function and increased lung capacity in COVID-19 patients. Qigong belly breathing (diaphragmatic breathing)
COVID-19 long-haulers have chronic COVID. If you are a long-hauler, you may continue to have symptoms for weeks or months after infection. These symptoms vary but can include:
Breathing exercises may help improve lung function in long haulers. They may also help to reduce ongoing stress and anxiety caused by COVID symptoms. Yawn to a SmileThis breathing exercise opens up the muscles in the chest, which allows the diaphragm to fully expand. It also strengthens the arms and shoulder muscles. Here's how to do it:
Humming while exhalingHumming, such as the chanting of "om" in yoga, can help pull oxygen into the lungs with each breath. Many also find it can be calming. Here are the steps for this exercise:
Most people who get COVID-19 make a full recovery, often within a few weeks. Serious cases of COVID can take a month or longer to completely resolve. Rebuilding lung capacity can help aid your recovery, whether or not you had complications such as pneumonia or were placed on a ventilator. Breathing exercises deepen each breath, improving the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs. This improves overall lung capacity. Breathing exercises also induce a feeling of calm — a valuable component of recovery and quality of life. If you're using breathing exercises to help with your recovery, don't rush it. You may have to start slowly and build up to multiple repetitions during the healing process. Aerobic exercise can also help strength your lungs significantly. Just make sure to go slow and not overdo it. |
| Toddler Chest Congestion: Causes and Treatment - Verywell Health Posted: 13 Apr 2021 01:18 PM PDT /GettyImages-96465256-5b979adc7b7848508b7c7a08d82ddd27.jpg) Chest congestion is a common symptom of a number of conditions that affect toddlers, from a virus such as a common cold to a genetic condition such as cystic fibrosis. The additional symptoms that come with chest congestion and the course of treatment depend on the cause of the congestion and the characteristics of the child. Your child's healthcare provider can help find a diagnosis and suggest treatment options. StephanieFrey / Getty Images Symptoms and CausesChest congestion is a symptom of a condition, not a condition unto itself. It can have several different causes and is usually accompanied by other symptoms like a cough. ColdAs the name states, the common cold is common. Colds are caused by respiratory viruses and are the number one reason for doctor calls and visits. Healthy children experience about six colds per year, and colds are rarely serious. In the 5 to 10% of children who develop a secondary health problem due to a cold, the condition is usually an ear or sinus infection. Normal symptoms of colds include:
Symptoms of a secondary problem that prompt a visit to a healthcare provider include:
What Kind of Cough Is It?Coughs are a common symptom of many illnesses, but the type of cough makes a difference. Your toddler's healthcare provider is likely to ask you to describe the cough. Does it sound:
Acute BronchitisOften called a "chest cold", acute bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi (large breathing tubes in the lungs). In contrast to chronic bronchitis, acute bronchitis is short-lasting. Symptoms usually develop and go away quickly, and most cases are mild. In children, acute bronchitis is usually caused by a viral infection, sometimes after a cold or other viral upper respiratory infection. It can also be caused by bacteria or as a result of exposure to irritants such as dust, allergens, strong fumes, or tobacco smoke. Symptoms of acute bronchitis usually last one to two weeks and include:
Take your toddler to a healthcare provider right away if:
BronchiolitisBronchiolitis is an infection in which swelling occurs in the bronchioles (smaller airways) of the lungs, blocking airflow in and out of the lungs. Bronchiolitis is usually caused by an infection in the upper respiratory tract which spreads down into the windpipe and lungs. This infection is often a viral infection, most frequently respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It occurs most often in winter and early spring, and usually affects children under two years old. Bronchiolitis often looks like a common cold at first, but then the cough (and often other symptoms) get worse over time. It is important to see a healthcare provider for a diagnosis as the symptoms are similar to other conditions, especially in babies and young toddlers. Symptoms of bronchiolitis include:
Call your child's healthcare provider right away, or seek emergency care if your child:
RSVRespiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a virus that is a leading cause of childhood respiratory infection. It is very common, with nearly all children contracting an RSV infection by the age of 2 years old. Most often, RSV infection is mild but it can be serious, especially for premature infants, infants under six months, children who are immunocompromised, and children with certain disorders that put them at risk for serious RSV infections. RSV usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms, but it can cause more severe illnesses such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia. Approximately 58,000 children younger than 5 years old in the United States are treated in hospital for RSV infections each year. Symptoms of RSV include:
An important note: Infants often show no symptoms with RSV infection beyond irritability, decreased appetite, decreased activity, and/or apnea (pauses in breathing). What Does "Trouble Breathing" Look Like?With a cough and/or congestion, it can be hard to tell if a child is having trouble breathing. If you notice any of these signs, your child may be experiencing breathing difficulties and you should seek immediate or emergency medical care: AllergiesAllergies are more common in children from families that have a history of allergies, but any child can have allergies. Children can have allergies to environmental triggers such as pollen, insect bites, or animals, to certain medications, or to foods such as peanuts or milk. Common symptoms of allergies in children include:
In severe cases, allergies can cause a serious and potentially life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis which causes breathing impairment, a sudden drop in blood pressure, and possibly shock. This is a medical emergency requiring an immediate 911 call and injection of epinephrine (adrenaline), if available. CroupCroup is an infection in children that causes swelling in the upper part of the airway in the neck, usually seen in the winter. Croup is usually caused by a virus, but can also be caused by bacteria, allergies, or reflux from the stomach. Symptoms of croup are not universal, can change over time, and do not always occur at the same time. They usually last three to seven days and are often worse at night. Symptoms of croup include:
Croup can become an emergency situation if breathing difficulties become severe. Call 911 if your child is experiencing any of the following:
AsthmaAsthma is a chronic inflammatory respiratory condition that causes airways to narrow, swell, and sometimes produce extra mucus. The most common symptom of asthma in children is a chronic cough. Other symptoms can include:
A sudden worsening of symptoms caused by the constriction of muscles surrounding the bronchial tubes, narrowing the airway, and making breathing very difficult is called an asthma attack. Asthma attacks are serious and potentially life-threatening. If your child has asthma, discuss with their healthcare provider what to do to prevent and manage asthma attacks, and call 911 during an attack if necessary. PneumoniaPneumonia is a lung infection usually caused by a virus, but is sometimes caused by bacteria. It often follows an upper respiratory infection. Symptoms include:
If you suspect your child may have pneumonia, call their healthcare provider as pneumonia can become serious. The FluThe flu is a serious respiratory infection caused by influenza A and influenza B viruses. It is highly contagious and can be especially dangerous for young children. Flu symptoms are more severe than cold symptoms. They include:
If you suspect your child has the flu, call their healthcare provider right away as some treatments such as antivirals work best or are only effective if given early. Cystic FibrosisCystic fibrosis is a progressive, genetic disease that causes the mucus in various organs to become thick and sticky, resulting in infections, inflammation, and problems with organ function. Cystic fibrosis is present at birth and usually diagnosed by age two. Symptoms of cystic fibrosis include:
Babies Require Different CareChest congestion, cough, and fever can look different in infants than in toddlers and older children, and often require more urgent medical care, particularly for babies under six months. If your baby is ill, make sure you follow advice and information specifically for infants, not for toddlers or older children. When to See a DoctorWhether a cough and/or chest congestion needs medical attention depends largely on the cause of the illness, the accompanying symptoms, the age of the child, the severity of the symptoms, and the duration of the symptoms. Generally speaking, call your child's healthcare provider if there's:
Seek medical care immediately if your child:
What Symptoms Indicate You Should Call 911?Call 911 if your child:
DiagnosisTo determine if a child has chest congestion, and what is causing their symptoms, a medical health provider may use a number of diagnostic tools. Physical ExamDuring an office or hospital visit, a healthcare provider is likely to do a physical examination. This might include:
ImagingImaging tests such as a chest x-ray or CT scan may be ordered to look at the lungs and check for congestion, foreign objects, or other areas of concern. Lab WorkA healthcare provider may requisition various lab work including:
A bronchoscopy is a rarely used procedure used to look inside the airways of the lungs. Other Tests and ProceduresA pulse oximeter (a small, painless sensor on the finger or toe) may be used to check blood oxygen levels. Allergy tests may be run to determine if symptoms are caused by an allergy. These sometimes involve:
Tests to measure lung capacity and airflow may be ordered, particularly if asthma is suspected. Diagnosing Cystic FibrosisThis diagnosis requires more than a physical exam or blood test. It is a multi-step process that should include:
TreatmentTreatment depends on the symptoms and what is causing them. For more specific treatment plans for each condition, consult a healthcare provider who can tailor treatment to your child's needs. In general, treatment for chest congestion and some of the conditions that cause it falls into two categories: Medical treatment and treatment that can be given to your child on your own at home. Medical TreatmentMedical treatments include:
At-Home TreatmentIf the illness and symptoms are mild, or it is advised by a healthcare provider, at-home measures can help your child feel more comfortable while they get better. Some home treatments to try include:
Can Children Take Cough Medicine?Children under the age of 4 years should not be given cough or cold medicine, and children aged 4 to 6 years should only do so if advised by a healthcare provider. Children over age 6 years can take cough and cold medicine according to the dosage guidelines, but it still isn't recommended because they aren't very effective and they may cause side effects. A Word From VerywellIt's never easy when little ones don't feel well. Coughs and colds are a common part of the childhood experience, but they are no fun for kids or parents, especially when they come with chest congestion. Chest congestion in toddlers can be caused by a lot of different illnesses, some minor and some serious-but fortunately, most of the time it clears up with the help of medical treatment, or on its own with some home treatments and lots of TLC. |
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