Pulmonary arterial hypertension (or PAH) is classified as a rare, progressive disorder marked by a buildup of hypertension (or high blood pressure) in the arteries of the pulmonary arteries (or blood vessels within the lungs). The onset of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) affects each person differently. Therefore, any treatment plan needs to be tailored according to the patient’s specific needs. You must consult with your doctor to get proper diagnosis and discuss the following treatment options:

1. Initial measures
To start with, the doctor will treat the cause of PAH. For instance, if PAH is being caused by emphysema, then the doctor will treat it to alleviate pulmonary hypertension. Since this condition affects your breathing, many patients opt for treatment that improves breathing. This enables them to be more active and undertake daily chores easily. You can opt for oxygen therapy, wherein pure oxygen is inhaled to compensate for its low levels in your blood. If you are at risk of developing blood clots, blood thinners may be prescribed to improve the functioning of your heart and prevent fluid build-up in your body.

2. Intensive measures
If you suffer from a severe case of PAH, medications in the form of calcium channel blockers may be prescribed. They help to reduce your blood pressure in the lungs and other parts of the body. However, if these drugs do not produce the desired results, then you may be advised to seek treatment at a specialized treatment center. Here, more targeted therapies are offered. They can help widen your narrowed blood vessels. The therapies may include medicines to breathe in, drugs to take through an IV, or pills. The options to choose from are:

• Inhalers: Treprostinil (Tyvaso) or Iloprost tromethamine (Ventavis)
• Pills: Letairis, Tracleer, Adcirca, Revatio, UPTRAVI, Adempas, or OPSUMIT
• IV drugs: Treprostinil or Epoprostenol Sodium (Flolan)

3. Surgical intervention
In the most serious cases of PAH, if medications are not alleviating the condition, the doctor may advise a surgical procedure called atrial septostomy or a lung transplant. In the former, the surgeon creates an incision between the left and right sides of the heart. You must consider the fact that this procedure can have some serious side effects.

4. Home remedies and lifestyle changes
One of the best ways to battle pulmonary arterial hypertension is to adopt an active lifestyle despite having shortness of breath. To live and breathe better with this condition, you must take up regular exercise, like walking. Before doing this, however, it is recommended that you discuss the right type and amount of exercise with your doctor. Some people may require a supply of oxygen while they exercise.

You must have plenty of rest. PAH tends to make you feel fatigued. Therefore, do not compromise on your sleep at night, and take naps whenever you feel the need. Finally, it is always a good idea to adopt a healthy diet for the overall improvement of your health. Consume plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains so that you stay strong.