This can make many activities uncomfortable, even causing shortness of breath while eating.
Those who experience this may not only find mealtime unpleasant, but stressful and exhausting.
This can keep your energy levels normal and positively impact your breathing.
Zelma Brezinska / EyeEm / Getty Images
Choose Easy-to-Chew Foods
Foods that are hard to chew are also difficult to swallow.
This puts you at greater risk forchoking,aspiration pneumonia, and even death.
Excess chewing can also zap your energy levels, making it impossible for you to finish your meal.
Eating foods that are easy to grind up will help you conserve energy so you retain more for breathing.
This can help you breathe more easily and feel better overall.
The next time you sit down to eat, aim to make your meal last at least 20 minutes.
Lying down or slumping while eating can place added pressure on yourdiaphragm.
It can also help reduce the anxiety associated with dyspnea and allow you to finish a meal.
To perform pursed-lip breathing, first, relax your shoulders by dropping them down.
You may need to be tested forsupplemental oxygenuse and you may benefit from seeing a dietitian or nutritionist.
American Lung Association.COPD symptoms and diagnosis.
National Emphysema Foundation.The importance of good nutrition for chronic lung condition patients.
American Lung Association.Nutrition and COPD.
