How does anxiety cause shortness of breath. What are the physical symptoms of anxiety. Can shortness of breath be a sign of a more serious condition. How can you manage anxiety-induced breathlessness. When should you seek medical attention for shortness of breath.

Understanding the Link Between Anxiety and Shortness of Breath

Anxiety is a complex mental health condition that can manifest in various physical symptoms, one of which is shortness of breath. This phenomenon, known as dyspnea, can be particularly distressing for those experiencing anxiety attacks. But how exactly does anxiety lead to breathlessness?

The connection between anxiety and shortness of breath lies in the body’s fight-or-flight response. When faced with a perceived threat or stressor, the body releases adrenaline, a hormone that prepares us for action. This surge of adrenaline causes several physiological changes, including increased heart rate, elevated body temperature, and redirection of oxygen to the muscles. As a result, you may feel like you’re struggling to catch your breath.

The Cycle of Anxiety and Breathlessness

Is shortness of breath always a sign of anxiety? Not necessarily, but it can create a vicious cycle. The sensation of not being able to breathe properly can itself trigger more anxiety, which in turn exacerbates the breathlessness. This feedback loop can make it challenging for individuals to break free from their anxious state and return to normal breathing patterns.

Recognizing the Physical Symptoms of Anxiety

While shortness of breath is a common symptom of anxiety, it’s not the only physical manifestation. Anxiety can affect various systems in the body, leading to a range of symptoms. Understanding these symptoms can help you identify when you’re experiencing anxiety and take appropriate action.

• Dizziness or feeling faint
• Racing heart or heart palpitations
• Hyperventilation (rapid breathing)
• Chest pains
• Headaches
• Trembling or shaking
• Sweating
• Nausea or stomach aches
• Frequent bowel movements
• Muscle tension
• Dry mouth
• Throat tightness

Do all these symptoms always occur simultaneously? Not necessarily. The experience of anxiety can vary from person to person, and you may experience some symptoms more intensely than others.

Differentiating Anxiety-Induced Breathlessness from Other Conditions

While anxiety is a common cause of shortness of breath, it’s crucial to recognize that breathlessness can also be a symptom of other, potentially serious medical conditions. How can you tell the difference?

Anxiety-induced shortness of breath typically subsides as you calm down and your body returns to its normal state. However, if you’re experiencing persistent or severe breathlessness, it could be a sign of an underlying health issue.

Potential Medical Causes of Shortness of Breath

• Heart conditions (e.g., heart attack, heart failure)
• Lung disorders (e.g., asthma, COPD, pulmonary embolism)
• Allergic reactions
• Anemia
• Infections (e.g., pneumonia)
• Obesity

Are these conditions always accompanied by shortness of breath alone? No, they typically present with additional symptoms. For instance, a heart attack might also cause chest pain, arm or jaw pain, and nausea, while asthma often involves wheezing and coughing.

The Impact of Anxiety on Your Body

Anxiety doesn’t just affect your breathing; it can have wide-reaching effects on your overall health. Research has shown that chronic anxiety can negatively impact various bodily systems, including:

1. Immune system: Anxiety can weaken your immune response, making you more susceptible to infections.
2. Cardiovascular system: Prolonged anxiety may increase your risk of heart disease and hypertension.
3. Digestive system: Anxiety can lead to gastrointestinal issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
4. Reproductive system: Anxiety may affect fertility and sexual function.
5. Sleep system: Anxiety often disrupts sleep patterns, leading to insomnia or poor sleep quality.

Given these potential health impacts, it’s crucial to address chronic anxiety. But how can you effectively manage anxiety and its symptoms?

Effective Strategies for Managing Anxiety-Induced Breathlessness

Managing anxiety and its associated shortness of breath involves a multi-faceted approach. Here are some strategies that can help:

1. Deep Breathing Exercises

Deep breathing exercises can help counteract the shallow, rapid breathing often associated with anxiety. Try this simple technique:

1. Inhale slowly through your nose for a count of four.
2. Hold your breath for a count of four.
3. Exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of four.
4. Repeat this cycle several times until you feel calmer.

2. Progressive Muscle Relaxation

This technique involves tensing and then relaxing different muscle groups in your body. It can help reduce overall tension and promote relaxation.

3. Mindfulness and Meditation

Practicing mindfulness or meditation can help you stay grounded in the present moment, reducing anxiety about the future or past events.

4. Regular Exercise

Physical activity can help reduce stress and anxiety levels. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.

5. Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Maintaining a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and limiting caffeine and alcohol intake can all contribute to reduced anxiety levels.

Can these strategies completely eliminate anxiety-induced breathlessness? While they can significantly reduce symptoms, severe or chronic anxiety may require additional interventions.

Professional Treatment Options for Anxiety

For those struggling with persistent anxiety and its associated symptoms, professional help can be invaluable. What treatment options are available?

Psychotherapy

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective treatments for anxiety disorders. It helps individuals identify and change thought patterns that lead to anxious feelings and behaviors. Other forms of therapy, such as exposure therapy or acceptance and commitment therapy, may also be beneficial.

Medication

In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help manage anxiety symptoms. Common types of anxiety medications include:

• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
• Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)
• Benzodiazepines (for short-term use)
• Buspirone

Is medication always necessary for treating anxiety? Not always. The need for medication depends on the severity of symptoms and individual circumstances. A mental health professional can help determine the best treatment approach.

Support Groups

Joining a support group can provide a sense of community and allow you to share experiences and coping strategies with others who understand what you’re going through.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Shortness of Breath

While anxiety-induced shortness of breath is common and typically not dangerous, there are situations where medical attention is necessary. But how do you know when to see a doctor?

Consider seeking medical help if:

• Your shortness of breath is severe or comes on suddenly
• You experience chest pain or pressure
• Your lips or fingertips turn blue
• You have a high fever, chills, or cough
• You feel faint, dizzy, or confused
• Your shortness of breath doesn’t improve with rest or occurs when you’re not anxious

These symptoms could indicate a more serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. Don’t hesitate to call emergency services if you’re unsure about the severity of your symptoms.

The Role of Self-Care in Managing Anxiety and Breathlessness

While professional help is crucial for managing severe anxiety, self-care plays a vital role in day-to-day anxiety management. But what does effective self-care for anxiety look like?

Establishing a Routine

Creating and sticking to a daily routine can provide a sense of structure and predictability, which can help reduce anxiety. This routine should include regular meal times, a consistent sleep schedule, and dedicated time for relaxation and self-care activities.

Practicing Stress-Reduction Techniques

In addition to the breathing exercises mentioned earlier, other stress-reduction techniques can be beneficial:

• Yoga: Combines physical postures with breathing exercises and meditation
• Journaling: Helps process thoughts and emotions
• Art therapy: Provides a creative outlet for expressing emotions
• Nature walks: Can reduce stress and improve mood

Maintaining Social Connections

Social support is crucial for managing anxiety. Regular interaction with friends and family, even if virtual, can provide emotional support and help keep anxiety in check.

Limiting Exposure to Anxiety Triggers

While it’s not always possible to avoid all anxiety triggers, reducing exposure where possible can help manage symptoms. This might include limiting consumption of anxiety-inducing news or social media content.

Practicing Self-Compassion

Being kind to yourself and acknowledging that anxiety is a common human experience can help reduce the shame or self-criticism that often accompanies anxiety symptoms.

Can self-care completely eliminate anxiety? While it may not cure anxiety, consistent self-care practices can significantly reduce symptoms and improve overall well-being.

The Importance of a Holistic Approach to Anxiety Management

Managing anxiety and its physical symptoms, including shortness of breath, often requires a multi-faceted approach. This holistic strategy combines professional treatment, self-care practices, and lifestyle modifications to address anxiety from all angles.

Integrating Different Treatment Modalities

A comprehensive anxiety management plan might include:

• Regular therapy sessions
• Medication (if prescribed)
• Daily relaxation practices
• Regular exercise
• Healthy diet
• Adequate sleep
• Social support

Is it necessary to incorporate all these elements at once? Not necessarily. It’s often best to start with a few key strategies and gradually incorporate others as you become more comfortable managing your anxiety.

The Role of Education

Understanding anxiety and its effects on the body can be empowering. Learning about the physiology of anxiety can help you recognize that symptoms like shortness of breath, while uncomfortable, are not dangerous. This knowledge can help reduce the fear associated with these symptoms, potentially breaking the cycle of anxiety.

Monitoring Progress

Keeping track of your anxiety symptoms and their frequency can help you and your healthcare provider assess the effectiveness of your treatment plan. Many people find anxiety tracking apps or journals helpful for this purpose.

The Future of Anxiety Treatment: Emerging Therapies and Research

As our understanding of anxiety disorders continues to evolve, new treatment approaches are emerging. What does the future hold for anxiety treatment?

Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy

Virtual reality technology is being used to create immersive environments for exposure therapy, allowing individuals to confront anxiety-provoking situations in a controlled, safe setting.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

This non-invasive procedure uses magnetic fields to stimulate specific areas of the brain. While primarily used for depression, research is exploring its potential for anxiety disorders.

Personalized Medicine

Advances in genetic research may lead to more personalized treatment approaches, allowing healthcare providers to select medications or therapies based on an individual’s genetic profile.

Mindfulness-Based Digital Interventions

Smartphone apps and online programs that deliver mindfulness-based interventions are becoming increasingly sophisticated and may play a larger role in anxiety management in the future.

Will these emerging therapies replace traditional anxiety treatments? It’s more likely that they will complement existing approaches, providing a wider range of options for individuals struggling with anxiety.

Empowering Yourself in the Face of Anxiety

Living with anxiety can be challenging, but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone and that effective management strategies are available. By understanding the link between anxiety and physical symptoms like shortness of breath, you can take steps to regain control over your mental and physical health.

Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Whether it’s talking to a mental health professional, joining a support group, or simply opening up to a trusted friend or family member, reaching out for support is a crucial step in managing anxiety.

As you navigate your journey with anxiety, be patient with yourself. Progress may not always be linear, and setbacks are a normal part of the process. Celebrate your victories, no matter how small, and keep moving forward. With the right tools, support, and perseverance, it’s possible to effectively manage anxiety and lead a fulfilling life.

How To Tell If Shortness of Breath Is From Anxiety

Content

• Overview
• Does anxiety cause shortness of breath?
• Other causes
• What anxiety does to your body
• Managing anxiety
• When to talk to your doctor
• The lowdown

When you’re having an anxiety attack, it can feel like you’re struggling for air. You might start to worry: is there something seriously wrong with my body? You may even wonder if you are dying. Here’s how to tell if shortness of breath is from anxiety, and when you should seek medical attention.

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Anxiety is associated with a range of both physical and psychological symptoms.

Physical symptoms may include:

• Dizziness or feeling faint

• Racing heart or heart palpitations

• Hyperventilation (rapid breathing)

• Chest pains

• Headaches

• Trembling or shaking

• Sweating

• Nausea or stomach aches

• Frequent bowel movements

• Muscle tension

• Dry mouth

• Throat tightness

• Dyspnea (shortness of breath)

Psychological symptoms can include feeling:

While shortness of breath is commonly associated with anxiety, it can also be a symptom of severe medical problems, such as heart attacks or pulmonary embolisms. However, if it is anxiety that is causing you to experience shortness of breath,  it will usually go away once you’ve calmed down.

If you experience severe anxiety, it is also often possible for you to identify a trigger or cause that resulted in the onset of symptoms. Depending on the severity of the trigger, it may take several hours before you feel normal again. However, anxiety and panic can both occur without any known cause.

Anxiety is often exacerbated by:

• Relationship problems

• Stress or pressure at work

• Life changes

• Learning new skills

• Dealing with other health problems

• Concerns for friends or family

• Financial worries

If you experience shortness of breath after dealing with a stressful event, it’s probably due to anxiety. As you engage in relaxing activities, such as taking long deep breaths, yoga, or a gentle walk,  and separating yourself from the stress, your breath should return to normal. If it doesn’t, or you find yourself becoming breathless multiple times a day, you should talk to your doctor.

Anxiety can put excessive stress on the body and make you vulnerable to other illnesses. Studies show¹ that anxiety disorder can negatively affect the immune, cardiovascular, digestive, reproductive, and sleep systems. Therefore, if your levels of anxiety are consistently high, you should talk to a mental health professional to get the support you need.

Apart from anxiety, shortness of breath has also been linked to chronic diseases and disorders, including:

While these can be serious conditions, rest assured that shortness of breath isn’t the only symptom. Serious diseases don’t just appear out of the blue. They are usually accompanied by other physical symptoms that you experience over a longer period of time. If you are concerned that your shortness of breath isn’t caused by anxiety, ask your doctor for guidance.

Shortness of breath can also have other causes, including:

• Allergies

• Cold or other respiratory infections

• Injuries like broken ribs

• Frequent smoking

• Extremely hot or cold temperatures

• Adverse reactions to medication

• Strenuous physical activity

When your body experiences anxiety, it goes into fight-or-flight mode to protect itself from an immediate threat. It releases adrenaline, a hormone that pumps blood to your muscles and causes your body temperature to rise. It also sends most of your oxygen to your muscles, which is why you may feel short of breath.

However, unlike an immediate danger, an anxiety trigger isn’t always easily identified. This can make it more difficult for your body to know when the danger has passed, so it may take you a while to relax. Additionally, symptoms of anxiety, such as shortness of breath,  often lead you to feel more anxious, so it can become a cycle.

In the first instance, it may relieve some of your worries if you can rule out any serious diseases. Talk to your doctor about getting a physical exam, blood tests, lung function tests, or chest X-rays to check for any underlying issues. You can also talk to your doctor about medication to help ease the physical symptoms of anxiety.

Another way in which you can manage anxiety is through psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT teaches you how to deal with the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that may be causing you to feel anxious. You will also learn effective coping mechanisms and how to de-escalate stressful situations. Joining a support group or group therapy program can also be helpful.

Social interaction is also one of the best ways to manage anxiety. Reaching out to friends and family to let them know how you are feeling can often lead to encouraging conversations and support. You may even learn that some of your loved ones are having similar struggles and you can support each other. You should also try to cut out as many unnecessary stressors from your daily life as possible, get adequate sleep, and eat a healthy diet to help you better deal with your anxious symptoms.

When anxiety sets in, take a deep breath by inhaling deeply into your stomach and exhaling slowly to slow down your breathing and lower your heart rate. Deep breathing activates your parasympathetic nervous system, which calms your fight-or-flight response. You may also benefit from meditation or other grounding techniques, like squeezing stress balls.

How To Deal With Anxiety, Manage It, And Overcome It

Most of the time, a wave of anxiety will pass on its own without medical attention. However, if you experience any of the following you should urgently seek help:

• Extremely painful chest heaviness

• Prolonged racing heartbeat

• High-pitched wheezes when trying to breathe

• Swollen feet or ankles

• Blue fingers or lips

• Inability to think clearly

• Difficulty speaking

• Pain in your left arm

Shortness of breath is one of the many uncomfortable physical symptoms of anxiety, but it’s almost always temporary.  Therapy, meditation, breathing exercises, and making healthy lifestyle changes can help you to manage shortness of breath. However, if you are experiencing frequent anxiety attacks, which can affect your long-term physical health, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

How to tell if shortness of breath is from anxiety

Shortness of breath is a common symptom of anxiety. As with other anxiety symptoms, it can be concerning. However, it is ultimately harmless and will go away when the anxiety lifts.

Feeling short of breath can make a person feel more anxious. They may suspect that they are having a breathing or heart problem when they notice a symptom of anxiety.

In this article, we explore the link between anxiety and shortness of breath, which doctors call dyspnea. We also look at other possible causes of shortness of breath.

Anxiety and panic have associations with fear. They can lead to behavioral and physiological changes that prepare the person to defend themselves against a threat.

The brain reacts to fearful situations with a fight-or-flight response. The heart rate increases to pump blood to the organs faster, readying the muscles for action.

It also causes a person to breathe more quickly to provide more oxygen to the muscles. The result can be shortness of breath.

Learn about other causes of shortness of breath.

When experiencing anxiety, it can be difficult to tell whether anxiety or another health issue is responsible for the symptoms. This can be especially challenging when the symptoms are severe.

Shortness of breath is one symptom that people with anxiety may experience, but not everyone with anxiety has difficulty breathing.

Anxiety can cause a range of physical and psychological symptoms, including:

• dry mouth
• an increased heart rate
• dizziness
• sweating
• chills
• nausea
• diarrhea
• shaking
• muscle tension
• rapid breathing
• chest pain
• agitation
• poor concentration
• confusion
• a poor memory
• difficulty speaking

Anxiety disorders

If a person experiences persistent or severe feelings of anxiety, a doctor may diagnose them with a specific anxiety disorder. These include:

• generalized anxiety disorder
• social anxiety disorder
• separation anxiety
• agoraphobia
• specific phobia
• panic disorder

Learn more in our dedicated anxiety hub.

Doctors can offer various treatments for anxiety, such as medications, psychotherapy, or a combination.

Medication

For short-term relief of anxiety symptoms, including shortness of breath, doctors may prescribe benzodiazepine medications. These include:

• alprazolam (Xanax)
• clonazepam (Klonopin)
• diazepam (Valium)
• lorazepam (Ativan)

These may provide some relief from anxiety symptoms within about 30 minutes.

However, benzodiazepines can have adverse effects. In 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) strengthened its warning about benzodiazepines. These drugs can lead to physical dependence, and withdrawal can be life threatening. Combining them with alcohol, opioids, and other substances can result in death. It is essential to follow a doctor’s instructions when using these drugs.

Doctors may also prescribe selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, commonly called SSRIs or antidepressants, for anxiety symptoms.

Cognitive behavioral therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may benefit many people with anxiety. It aims to help people modify how they think and behave in certain situations, such as those that trigger anxiety.

During CBT, a person may learn their anxiety focuses on false alarms of fear, and the therapy may train them to cope with conditions that cause anxiety instead of avoiding them.

Psychodynamic psychotherapy

Psychodynamic psychotherapy is also an effective treatment for anxiety. It focuses on the role of interpersonal and familial conflicts associated with symptoms of anxiety.

This form of therapy harnesses the patient-therapist relationship to help encourage personal reflection, acceptance of difficult feelings, and engagement in new behaviors.

People may benefit from using at-home relaxation methods to reduce anxious feelings and improve breathing.

Diaphragmatic breathing

For immediate relief of shortness of breath due to anxiety, people might try diaphragmatic breathing.

To perform diaphragmatic breathing:

• lay down comfortably on a flat surface
• place one hand on the diaphragm, above the stomach and just below the ribs
• place the other hand in the middle of the chest
• breathe in slowly through the nose, allowing the diaphragm to expand
• the lower hand should raise while the upper hand remains still
• contract the abdominal muscles and exhale slowly
• repeat

Some doctors recommend it to help reduce anxiety, and some people who practice it report that it helps provide emotional balance. A 2017 study demonstrates that 20 sessions of diaphragmatic breathing improves stress and decreases negative emotions in participants. However, the participants did not have a diagnosis of anxiety.

Pursed lip breathing

Pursed lip breathing can slow a person’s breathing and relieve shortness of breath. The practice focuses on making each breath more intentional.

To perform pursed lip breathing:

• sit or stand comfortably
• breath in through the nose for 2 seconds
• purse the lips tightly
• exhale slowly through pursed lips for 4 seconds
• repeat

Discover more breathing techniques here.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a broad term that covers many practices. Typically, it involves methods of focusing attention in states of calm concentration.

Mindfulness practices can help reduce symptoms of anxiety, stress, depression, and other mental health conditions. People can practice mindfulness meditation at home to reduce anxiety.

The following steps can help a person start mindfulness meditation:

• sit, stand, or lie comfortably
• focus attention on the present moment and the current physical sensations and emotions
• concentrate on the natural flow of breathing
• if breathing is shallow, breathe slowly through the nose and exhale slowly through the mouth
• focus on how emotions and the physical senses change with time

Learn more about mindfulness meditation here.

Anyone who may have an anxiety or panic disorder may benefit from discussing their symptoms and treatment options with a doctor.

If breathing exercises and other relaxation techniques do not reestablish regular breathing patterns, the person may need medical attention.

If shortness of breath is frequent or long-lasting, it may stem from another medical condition, such as:

• asthma
• obesity
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• interstitial lung disease
• heart problems

When people experience shortness of breath because of anxiety or panic, it can make them feel more anxious, which can worsen their breathing.

Doctors often recommend relaxation techniques and diaphragmatic breathing to help relieve this, and other, anxiety symptoms.

Some people also benefit from temporarily using medications to control their anxiety symptoms. Chronic anxiety and panic may require a combination of medication and psychotherapy.

Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, tracheostomy care

Shortness of breath is an unpleasant feeling of shortness of breath, which is often accompanied by anxiety. It should be borne in mind that shortness of breath is a subjective phenomenon, therefore it (like pain) should be assessed on the basis of the patient’s description of his state of health.

Some patients with shortness of breath on exertion have respiratory panic attacks. During these attacks, patients feel as if they are dying. At the same time, the fear caused by shortness of breath, as well as a lack of awareness of this condition, cause an increase in anxiety, which in turn increases the frequency of breathing and, as a result, increases shortness of breath.

There are a lot of reasons for the occurrence of shortness of breath: it can be provoked directly by the tumor itself, the consequences of oncological disease, complications as a result of treatment, concomitant diseases, as well as a combination of the above reasons. Shortness of breath can be caused both by damage to the lungs, lymph nodes, and by damage to the upper respiratory tract.

If shortness of breath occurs, the patient should be explained his condition and encouraged in order to reduce the feeling of fear and anxiety, and also try to change his lifestyle: make a daily routine so that rest always follows after the load, if possible, help the patient around the house, with grocery shopping and etc.

Treatment will depend on the cause of the shortness of breath. The issue of taking medications should be decided on an individual basis by consultation with a doctor, since the number of drugs that relieve or reduce shortness of breath is quite wide (from bronchodilators to morphine).

If the causes of this condition are reversible, then the presence of loved ones, soothing conversation, cool dry air, relaxation therapy, massage, as well as treatments such as acupuncture (acupressure) can help.

Oxygen can also be beneficial if you breathe it in a few minutes before and a few minutes after exercise.

When caring for a patient with shortness of breath, remain calm and self-confident, do not leave the patient alone. He needs to create the most comfortable environment – open windows or put a fan nearby, as well as provide an opportunity to easily sound an alarm. The patient should be encouraged to do breathing exercises and teach relaxation techniques.

Proper oral care is also very important, especially if the patient breathes through the mouth. Since in this case the patient feels severe dryness in the mouth, periodically wipe the patient’s mouth with a damp swab and apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the lips. If the patient can swallow, give him little to drink or suck on ice.
For tumors in the upper respiratory tract that interfere with breathing, a tracheostomy is performed (opening the trachea and inserting a special tube into its lumen to restore breathing). Tracheostomy care consists of frequent dressing changes and thorough rinsing of the skin around the tracheostomy opening with chlorhexidine. Dressings should be changed every day or more often, several times a day, as they become soiled.

If a lot of mucus and sputum accumulate in the bronchi and trachea, then a thin sterile portable suction catheter is inserted through the tracheostomy and suction (sanitation) is performed. In these cases, it is also useful to create an outflow of sputum by lowering the head end of the patient’s bed.

If the tube is changed, then the tracheostomy opening is treated with an antiseptic (chlorhexidine). The tube itself can be lubricated with levomekol during replacement (for better glide and for antibacterial action).

Bandage on the tracheostomy hole (gasket between the tube and the skin) is done as follows. One or three gauze napkins measuring 5×10 cm are folded together and a V-shaped cross-section is made in the middle from its wide side. The depth of the cut is approximately half a napkin. When applying a bandage, the tube is passed through the incision, and the bandage is placed under the flange (“wings”). A little betadine can be put on the bandage so that there is no entry gate for infection.

Careful observation and care is required for debilitated patients with a tracheostomy who are not able to independently remove and clean the internal tracheotomy tube. With signs of difficulty in breathing and anxiety of the patient, it is necessary to bring a piece of cotton wool, a strip of gauze or a hand to the opening of the tracheotomy tube and determine the strength of the air stream during inhalation and exhalation. If it is loose, this means that the inner tube is clogged with mucus or dried crusts, and it must be removed. The jet of air should immediately increase sharply.
The tube must be cleaned, rinsed well, dried, lubricated with levomekol and inserted. If, after removing the inner tube, the air stream does not increase and the patient continues to experience difficulty in breathing, then the obstruction is below the tracheotomy tube or it has fallen out of the trachea and is located near it. In this case, seek help from a hospice specialist.

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European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of heart failure

What patients need to know

This European Society of Cardiology (ESC) patient guide is a summary of the most current evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of heart failure.

In particular, it is designed to help patients understand:

• what are the main types of heart failure;
• what medicines are used to treat heart failure;
• which devices can be used;
• why full rehabilitation is important;
• how important is treatment by medical specialists of different profiles;
• how important it is to take care of yourself and control your condition.

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