What is the best position for breathing?

Nowadays may people are suffering from this problems called shortness of breath. It is usually a symptom of lung disease but COVID-19 has made it like a synonym of having corona virus infection. However corona virus also affects your lungs and causes infection hence shortness of breath is still linked to lung disorders. Symptoms of chronic lung diseases lead to breathing issues in majority of people which occurs because of inadequate levels of oxygen in the body. Sitting, sleeping or standing in wrong posture can elevate this problem and create more issues. Hence today we will discuss about some positions and postures that can aid in maintaining better oxygen levels in the body. 

What is Shortness of breath?

Shortness of breath or breathlessness refers to a condition where you gasp for oxygen in the body. We spoke to Pulmonologist and Consultant Dr. Rashid Quereshi, Vozart Healthcare, Kochi. He told that breathlessness is more common in people that have lung dysfunctions of have a habit of smoking. Chronic lung diseases are one of the major causes of having breathlessness in people. You may have chest tightness and anxiety when you have this problem and poor position of body can make it worse. Hence you need to use some good postures in order to reduce severity of breathlessness in people.

1.  High side lying.
2. Forward lean sitting without pillows.
3. Forward lean sitting with pillows.
4. Upright sitting in chair.
5. Forearm support to assist breathing using trolley.
6. Forward lean standing.
7. Standing with back support.

Additional information
	In advanced lung disease, particularly COPD, the lungs become hyper inflated, extra air is trapped in the lungs, the diaphragm becomes flattened and cannot work efficiently. Forward lean positions can help encourage the diaphragm into a more domed position so that it can work more easily. Useful leaflets from: