3 Healthy Lifestyle Habits to Adopt If You Have Shortness of Breath

A little shortness of breath here and there can be normal. Maybe you just climbed several flights of stairs or hefted something heavy. If you regularly struggle to get a good breath, though, it’s time for a change. 

Shortness of breath could indicate a serious health condition, like a lung infection or heart failure. That’s why David Bolon, MD, specifically diagnoses shortness of breath here at Manhattan Integrative Cardiovascular in Midtown East Manhattan, New York City. 

At our office, he can help you find out what’s causing your breathing difficulties, whether it’s a separate health condition or something as simple as being out of shape. Generally, if you’re dealing with shortness of breath, he also recommends these three lifestyle changes: 

#1: If you smoke, quit

You probably already know that your smoking habit affects your lung capacity. If you’re dealing with regular shortness of breath, it’s your body telling you that something needs to change.

Quitting smoking is hard. Fortunately, you’re not the first person to attempt this feat. The CDC has some great resources you can dig into. Smokefree, a program from the federal government, can clarify and support your smoking cessation journey, too. 

You don’t have to go through this alone. Talk with your friends, family, and our team. Rallying supporters around you can make it easier to fight cravings and ditch this lung-harming habit for good. 

#2: Get moving

Regular exercise strengthens your heart and lungs, making breathing easier. As you move, your body gets better at taking in and using oxygen. 

We’re not just talking about cardio here, either, while that certainly is a piece of the puzzle. Mixing strength training with aerobic exercise helps to bolster your lungs, making it easier and easier to breathe. 

The key here is consistency, so find something you like. That could be anything from a brisk walk to HIIT training. If you dread working out, it’s a sign you don’t really like what you’re doing. Keep exploring your options until you find something that’s enjoyable for you. 

#3: Lose weight

There’s a direct link between your weight and your ability to breathe easily. Shedding extra pounds can progressively improve your shortness of breath. This makes exercising easier, which makes it easier to drop more weight.

The improvements might feel small at first — but stick with it. 

You don’t have to figure out how to breathe better on your own. Remember, Dr. Bolon is here to help. In fact, he may be able to diagnose and treat the condition that’s interfering with your heart and/or lungs. 

If you’re living with persistent shortness of breath, call (716) 303-4738 or book your appointment online today.