It may seem simple to most people, but for someone with a chronic breathing condition, showering can use a lot of energy and oxygen.
If you’re struggling to breathe in the shower, use these tips to make it easier:
Get a
bath stool—
they are waterproof, lightweight, fit in a tub or shower, easily removable, and you can often adjust their height to what suits you best.
Get a hand-held showerhead
with a long hose, so you can take the water to where you need it rather than moving around to get to the water.
Use long-handled sponges, brushes, and scrubbers
while showering so you don’t have to bend and stretch as much.
Ventilation
is key—
humidity can really affect the breathing of many people with lung disease; if possible, leave the bathroom door open, use the exhaust fan or crack open a window.
Use a robe
to dry off—
slip into a nice, oversized terry cloth robe when you get out of the shower; it reduces the effort of having to dry off completely and will give you a moment to catch your breath.