What could be causing a 19-year-old female to frequently experience difficulty breathing, and what should she do?

A 19-year-old female frequently experiencing difficulty breathing may be affected by emotional anxiety, lack of physical activity, allergic asthma, chronic pharyngitis, or sinusitis. Symptoms can be improved through emotional regulation, moderate exercise, and medication. If breathing difficulties worsen or are accompanied by chest pain or wheezing, prompt medical attention is necessary.

1. Emotional Anxiety: Prolonged mental stress or anxiety can disrupt normal breathing patterns, leading to chest tightness and shortness of breath, with symptoms becoming more pronounced during emotional fluctuations. It is recommended to regulate emotions through listening to soothing music, practicing deep breathing exercises, and avoiding excessive worry. Psychological counseling should be sought when necessary.

2. Lack of Exercise: Long-term sedentary behavior and insufficient physical activity weaken cardiopulmonary function and reduce ventilation efficiency, causing breathlessness even with mild exertion, often accompanied by fatigue. It is advised to engage in aerobic exercises such as jogging or yoga 3–4 times per week to gradually improve heart and lung function and enhance respiratory health.

3. Allergic Asthma: Exposure to allergens such as pollen or dust mites can trigger airway spasms, resulting in breathing difficulties accompanied by wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness. Under medical guidance, medications such as salbutamol inhaler, budesonide/formoterol powder inhaler, and montelukast sodium tablets may be used to alleviate symptoms.

4. Chronic Pharyngitis: Long-term irritation causes inflammation in the throat, with mucosal congestion and swelling leading to narrowed airways, causing breathing discomfort along with dryness and a sensation of a foreign body in the throat. Under a doctor's supervision, medications such as Qinghou Liyan granules, watermelon frost lozenges, or Pudilan anti-inflammatory oral liquid can help relieve symptoms.

5. Sinusitis: Inflammation of the sinuses leads to nasal blockage, impairing airflow and causing breathing difficulties, often accompanied by nasal congestion, runny nose, and headaches. As directed by a physician, treatments such as saline nasal spray, cefaclor capsules, or Biyuan Tongqiao granules may be used to improve symptoms.

Maintain good indoor ventilation, avoid exposure to irritants such as pollen and dust, follow a light diet avoiding spicy and stimulating foods, maintain regular sleep patterns with sufficient rest, and engage in moderate exercise to strengthen overall health and reduce episodes of breathing discomfort.