Shortness of Breath and First Aid

 Written by: Muhammad Nasir Sirat

Shortness of breath is a type of lung disease that causes thinning and swelling of the airways to the lungs, increases the closure around this area and makes it difficult for the patient to breathe, and causes shortness of breath. AEPO’s writer/producer has talked to some patients and a physician about this disease.

Obaidullah Malikzada says, “My uncle is suffering from asthma bronchitis. When the disease attacks him, he faces crucial problems. We take him to the hospital for treatment.”

Khadim Husain, a resident of Kabul city says, “It's my fifth year that I am suffering from the shortness of breath. I usually cough and get tired very soon. I suffer more when I walk a few steps.”

Doctor Izatullah Fani, a cardiologist at Ibn Sina Hospital, Kabul city talks about the signs and symptoms of asthma, “Shortness of breath, chest tightness or pain in the chest, difficulty in sleeping due to shortness of breath, coughing, hoarseness are the symptoms of asthma. If shortness of breath becomes chronic, it causes severe inflammation in the lungs and might cause the damage of lungs and if the lungs are destroyed, they might not be treated again, and this will face the life of the patient with danger.”

What do some patients think about the causes of asthma?

Najeebullah, a resident of Herat province says, “I don’t know the exact cause of asthma but when the weather gets cold, I face the shortness of breath. I think smoke and polluted air might be the causes of this disease.”

Ali Muhammad, a resident of Shiwaki district, Kabul province says, “Air pollution, smoke, and cold weather cause me to breathe with difficulties.”

Doctor Fani says, “Cold winter and polluted air, having allergies, obesity, and overweight, use of cigarettes or exposure to smoke and, chemicals, respiratory infections, physical activity in shortness of breath, use of certain medications, and inheritance can also cause the shortness of breath.”

What do some people think about the first aid of shortness of breath?

Shagofa, a resident of Herat province says, “My grandfather suffers from asthma. When this disease attacks him, we have an oxygen concentrator at home. When he faces the shortness of breath, we deliver him oxygen and if his problem is serious, we take him to a hospital.”

Suhaila, a resident of Laghman province says, “When someone at our home faces shortness of breath, we bring him/her to the open air and give him/her hot liquids.”

Doctor Fani talks about the first aid to such patients, “The patients could use special sprays for this disease and deliver oxygen. Taking hot liquids, honey and ginger are useful for this disease if these medications do not affect them, they should be taken to the hospital for essential treatment. Using a facemask when leaving the house; preventing entering smoke and polluted air into the living room; reduce weight and eating fresh fruits are useful for such patients.”