How is paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea treated?
Treatment depends upon the exact cause of the episodes. Doctors generally recommend weight reduction for obese patients, and supplemental oxygen may ease symptoms. If the episodes are due to heart failure, steps are taken to treat fluid overload. Because a diet high in salt can contribute to fluid overload, doctors generally recommend that people who experience breathing difficulties such as paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea limit the amount of salt in their diets. In addition to not adding salt at the table, following a low-sodium diet involves avoiding most processed foods (including frozen and canned foods, as well as the majority of fast food and takeout food items). Eating home-cooked meals prepared with herbs and spices instead of salt is one of the most effective ways of getting rid of excess fluid in the body. In addition to recommending a low-sodium diet, doctors often prescribe medicines known as diuretics (“water pills”) to relieve the symptoms of fluid overload. While these meth
