Hand held fan for breathlessness

[tchouli]

My Dad, who has asbestosis and is now on permanent oxygen, has been advised to use a hand held fan in front of his face. But no-one has explained why this is useful. Has anyone else tried this and if so how and why does it help?

[wimbledon]

Hi I do hope it gives him some relief, can I please ask did he take out an asbestosis claim?

[tchouli in reply to wimbledon]

Thank you. Yes, Dad's asbestosis was only confirmed in December (!) so we sent the claim away quite recently and are still awaiting a response.

[jillygirl]

My respiratory nurse recommended I use a hand held fan , to help my breathing, especially when I got panic attacks... I use the fan quite regularly , it helps me focus on deep breathing and also calms me down.

Yesterday I had a pretty hard day travelling on the bus to the hospital, I am suffering with chest infection and I found myself feeling nauseated. I used the fan which again helped me.

I think it does help and is a way of distraction too.

[leo60]

I think ( don't quote me!), there is an actual physiological reason too! Does it stimulate some reflex ? Unsure, but one of our learned friends will no doubt come along and educate us! 😂🤞 It does help though, however unlikely it may seem 😊

All the best to your dad xx

[MoyB in reply to leo60]

That's what the Resp physio at rehab told us. I can't remember the details but I believe you need to aim it at the side of your face to trigger the reflex. She also said there are battery operated fans made specifically for this purpose and better than the little cheap ones you usually see in ordinary shops. She advised to go to a health equipment shop or web site to buy one and not just pick one up from Smiths or other suchlike shop.

xx Moy

[leo60 in reply to MoyB]

Thank you Moy, great advice 😘 xx

[peege]

When I did the PR (Pulmonary Rehabilitation) course one of the respiratory nurses giving a talk explained that there are nerve endings in the face which are connected to the respiratory system. It definitely works though, one glorious sunny day in London with 3 year old g'daughter in pushchair (exhaust fume level). From being 100% fine Daisy had an asthma attack when a van's filthy diesel fumes parked by us. We had no ventolin with us, I grabbed an Evening Standard newspaper from a stand & wafted it in her face causing a draught for a few minutes non-stop. The change in her breathing was incredible.

[leo60 in reply to peege]

Ah, that's it!

That was quick thinking peege, the fumes are horrendous in London. Mind, my dad left his car running as I was struggling up the steps towards it, and wondered why I was cross and practically passing out! xx

[Holiday12345]

yes this definitely helps, my mum passed this tip on to me she probably got it from respiratory clinic

[Biker88]

yes the fan works, my physio told me to hold it to one side and blow across the face and I found it very successful. As to why it works I can only guess it’s down to the change in air pressure close to the face caused by the flow of air

[Mellywelly]

Hi chook, I first heard about this when my mum was in hospital and yes it does work as I have used it myself. It helps somehow to regulate your breathing and slow it down. I think it tickles the hairs up your nose which are used for filtering the air we breath. I could be wrong but yes it does work. 😉👍

[NLGA]

I get breathing issues with AF and I’m not sure I could cope without the fan

[Numptybrain]

I might give this a try myself I currently get hot and breathless so end up sitting by an open window for quite a long time even in this very cold weather which might not be a good idea, I’m waiting to be seen by respiratory physio

Take care

Wendy x

[Kismet23]

A good strong one really helps! Good rechargeable ones on Amazon, with 4 diferent strengths. You can also fold them down to sit on the desk next to you. This really works!

[Collie4]

yes, i use a fan in front of my face, it does give relief.

[anng18]

Yes, I use a fan - it has 3 settings and you can also add water to create a cool mist. I use it a lot - when I get out of breath walking, when I find it hard to eat, when I walk up the stairs and when I have a panic attack. I also used it non stop on a 3 hour aeroplane trip - got into trouble with the air hostess, when my husband put water into it, but I couldn't breathe without it!

Very helpful - also used it in London - weather was very hot and a lot of pollution.

Here is the link - you can position this fan - don't have to hold it all the time and it is rechargeable.

amazon.co.uk/sspa/click?ie=...

[Timberman]

I use it whenever it is hot. The action of moving the air cools it slightly which helps. But it is also the case that when we breath we have to overcome the air pressure to exhale (it helps of course on inhalation) and so if the air is already in motion it will help slightly lower the local air pressure. At our level of lung function (I am 32% FEV1) every 1% is worth three to us.

[katieoxo60]

Hello there , this is the new way to releive breathing difficulties and having tried it it does help some especially when other options are letting you down. It also helps if the room is stuffy so you don't have to open windows and let all the warm air out. Do give it a try. Best wishes.

[MezTez]

a neck fan is also useful if you want to be hands free,