Health encyclopaedia

Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List

Prevention of Breathlessness

Breathlessness from lack of fitness can be reduced by regular exercise.

You can find out if your weight may be causing breathlessness by referring to the Body Mass Index (BMI). This works by taking into account your weight and height to find out if your body mass may be contributing to poor health. You can calculate your BMI by following these steps:

1. Work out your height in metres (for example, 1.6 metres), and multiply the figure by itself (for example 1.6 x 1.6 = 2.56)
2. Measure your weight in kilograms (for example, 65kg)
3. Divide your weight in kilograms by the answer to step 1 (for example, 65 divided by 2.56 = 25.39).

A healthy BMI is between 20 and 25. A BMI over 25 may mean that your health could suffer in the future.

Stopping smoking is the best things you can do to reduce common breathlessness and increase blood oxygen levels and lung efficiency.

• B12 deficiencyBabies cryingBabies, weaningBack painBad breathBaker's cystBalanitisBarium enemaBedwettingBehcet's diseaseBell's palsyBicarbonateBinge eatingBiopsyBipolar affective disorderBirthmarksBitesBites, insectBites, snakeBladder infectionsBladder stonesBleeding gumsBlepharitisBlistersBlood donationBlood gases testBlood groupsBlood poisoningBlood pressure (high)Blood pressure (low)Blood testsBlood transfusionBlushingBody odourBody piercingBoilsBone cystBone marrow donationBone marrow transplantBotoxBottle feedingBotulismBrain abscessBrain deathBrain injuryBrain tumourBreast abscessBreast implantsBreast lumpBreast reductionBreastfeedingBreathlessnessBroken bonesBronchiectasisBronchiolitisBronchitisBronchodilator drugsBulimiaBunionBursitis

  ---