Diaphragmatic Breathing

Diaphragmatic Breathing:

Your diaphragm is the most important muscle for breathing and does most of the work.  This large, dome-shaped muscle is at the bottom of your lungs.  Abdominal muscles help move the diaphragm.  They can give you more power to better empty your lungs. Sometimes in COPD or other lung disease where air becomes trapped, your diaphram can become flattened and less efficient. Diaphragmatic breathing will help you strengthen it to decrease your work of breathing.

1. Lie on your back in a comfortable position, or in a recliner if you can’t lie flat.  You can use a pillow under your knees or head.  Place one hand flat on your upper chest and the other just above your navel.  You will be able to feel your diaphragm or chest move as you breathe.

2. Breathe in slowly through your nose and feel your stomach move out against your hand.  Keep your chest as still as possible.

3. Tighten your stomach muscles, pulling inward as you exhale. The hand on your chest should remain still.

At first it may take some effort to use the diaphragm correctly.  Start with 5 minutes several times a day.  Increase your time as tolerated to 12-15 minutes.  Soon, with practice, diaphragmatic breathing will become easy, automatic, and you can use it in any position.


See the following link for demonstration:

Pursed-Lip Breathing

Pursed Lip Breathing:

Pursed-lip breathing helps to free trapped air from your lungs and allow fresh air in.  It keeps airways open longer during exhalation.  Practice pursed-lip breathing when you are relaxed so you can use this technique when feeling short of breath.

1. Inhale through your nose at a normal rate and depth. Feel the air fill your lungs.

2. Purse your lips together like you were going to whistle or blow bubbles.

3. Exhale slowly and gently through your mouth, keeping your lips pursed. Breathing out should take 2 to 3 times longer than breathing in.  Exhale fully at a steady rate, but don’t force the air out.

Breathe at the rate and the amount you purse your lips, to what feels comfortable. 

During exercise or activities that cause you to be short of breath, pursed-lip breathing can help you be less “winded” and recover more quickly.  You soon will find yourself doing this automatically, for example when climbing stairs. 

Breathing Techniques

Breathing techniques that can bring relief:

1.        Pursed-Lip Breathing

2.        Diaphragmatic Breathing

3.        Yoga Breathing

        Watch for details in the next three posts...

Welcome!

Breathing is not a privilege; it is your right, and necessary for life. For most people, breathing is transparent.  You’re not  aware of it unless you are active, frightened, anxious, ill, or otherwise taxing your cardiopulmonary system, (heart and lungs).  However, some of you are very aware of breathing, even minute by minute.  Your breathing can be uncomfortable and shortness of breath is often frightening. When lung disease or conditions worsen, you can become increasingly short of breath.  Science and medicine have many solutions for people who experience discomfort or difficulty breathing. This blog will provide information and instruction on how to allow your breathing to be more transparent, in a wide variety of circumstances.