Breathing Techniques

Breathing techniques can help you control your respiratory rate and breathing pattern. That will help you breathe easier and more efficiently, and make you feel like enough air is getting into your lungs. Breathing techniques and correct posture also can improve the function of respiratory muscles and effectiveness of coughs.

You can also perform exercises to help you breathe more easily. Practice the exercises daily so that when shortness of breath occurs, you will perform them naturally and not panic. Here are some useful exercises:

Pursed-lip breathing: Pursed-lip breathing will slow down your breathing so that it is more efficient (breathing fast only worsens shortness of breath). You can do this kind of breathing anywhere.

Breathe in slowly through your nose. Hold your breath for 3 seconds.

Purse your lips as if you are going to whistle.

Breathe out slowly through your pursed lips for 6 seconds.

Abdominal/diaphragm breathing: Abdominal breathing also slows down your breathing and helps relax your entire body.

Lie on your back in a comfortable position with a pillow under your head and knees. Rest one hand on your abdomen just below your rib cage. Rest the other hand on your chest.

Slowly breathe in and out through your nose using your abdominal muscles. The hand resting on your abdomen will rise when you breathe in and fall when you breathe out. The hand on your chest should be almost still. Repeat three or four times before resting.

Active Cycle of Breathing Technique (ACBT): This exercise is a series of breathing techniques that help clear secretions and improve air delivery to your lungs. ACBT can be done sitting up. It combines breathing exercises with the "huff " cough and has three components in a set cycle. The huff cough involves holding a deep breath for a few seconds and then exhaling forcefully. The cycle is repeated until the huff becomes dry or nonproductive, or when 20 minutes have passed. Ask your doctor for guidance and instructions on this therapy.