What Interventions Help Decrease Work of Breathing?
Various interventions can be employed to help decrease the work of breathing:
1. Positioning: Elevating the head of the bed or using the high Fowler's position can enhance lung expansion and ease breathing. 2. Oxygen Therapy: Administering supplemental oxygen can improve oxygenation and reduce respiratory effort. 3. Medications: Bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and mucolytics can help open airways and reduce inflammation. 4. Breathing Exercises: Techniques like diaphragmatic breathing and pursed-lip breathing can improve ventilation efficiency. 5. Humidification: Using humidified air can prevent airway dryness and irritation. 6. Mechanical Ventilation: In severe cases, non-invasive or invasive mechanical ventilation may be necessary.
