Why does it feel more comfortable to take deep breaths, and what should I do about it?

Dec 08, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ren Yi
Introduction
Feeling comfortable only when breathing deeply may be caused by emotional tension, intense exercise, bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis, allergic rhinitis, etc. Symptoms can be improved through emotional regulation, rest, medication, and other methods. If symptoms persist or are accompanied by chest tightness or wheezing, prompt medical attention is necessary. During sudden episodes of anxiety or stress, breathing patterns become irregular, increasing the body's demand for oxygen.

Feeling comfortable only when taking deep breaths may be caused by emotional tension, intense exercise, bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis, allergic rhinitis, etc. Symptoms can be improved through emotional regulation, rest, and medication. If symptoms persist or are accompanied by chest tightness or wheezing, seek medical attention promptly.

1. Emotional tension: Sudden anxiety or stress can disrupt normal breathing rhythm, increasing the body's demand for oxygen, leading to a need for deep breathing to feel comfortable. It is recommended to practice deep breathing, meditation, and relaxation techniques, as well as shift focus to avoid excessive emotional fluctuations.

2. After intense exercise: High-intensity physical activity consumes large amounts of oxygen, requiring rapid replenishment afterward, which results in the need for deep breathing to relieve discomfort. It is advised to gradually slow down movements after exercise and perform slow, deep breathing instead of stopping abruptly to prevent discomfort.

3. Bronchial asthma: Airway hypersensitivity to allergens or irritants causes spasms, obstructing ventilation and necessitating deep breathing to obtain sufficient oxygen, often accompanied by wheezing and chest tightness. Patients may use medications such as salbutamol aerosol, budesonide suspension, and montelukast sodium chewable tablets under medical guidance to alleviate symptoms.

4. Chronic bronchitis: Long-term inflammation irritates the airways, causing mucosal congestion and swelling, leading to poor ventilation and a sensation of comfort only with deep breathing, often accompanied by coughing and sputum production. It is recommended to take medications such as aminophylline tablets, ambroxol hydrochloride oral solution, and cefixime dispersible tablets under a doctor’s supervision to relieve symptoms.

5. Allergic rhinitis: Nasal mucosa swells due to allergic reactions, causing nasal congestion and insufficient airflow, requiring mouth breathing to compensate, often accompanied by runny nose and nasal itching. Patients can use loratadine syrup, mometasone furoate nasal spray, and Biyuan Tongqiao granules as directed by a physician to improve symptoms.

Maintain good indoor ventilation, avoid exposure to irritants such as pollen and dust, maintain regular作息 (sleep-wake cycles), avoid overexertion, and engage in moderate, gentle exercises to strengthen cardiopulmonary function. Promptly adjust your condition when experiencing breathing discomfort to support respiratory health.