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.