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Pursed Lip Breathing

Thomas3.20.2010
0 5 17

Do you folks want to know what to tell a COPDer when they are out of breath? First, you have to understand the problem a little. Take a breath in and don't exhale, take another breath in, and another.... See what I mean? it feels like you can't breathe in, when the truth is that you aren't breathing out enough! So the trick is to breathe out the most effectively possible. One great way to breathe out is called pursed lip breathing. It's what you do when you blow out a candle or blow dandelion seeds around the yard! 

Here's a description of pursed lip breathing:

 

Pursed lip breathing is one of the simplest ways to control shortness of breath. It provides a quick and easy way to slow your pace of breathing, making each breath more effective.

What does pursed lip breathing do?
Pursed lip breathing:

      
  • Improves ventilation
  •   
  • Releases trapped air in the lungs
  •   
  • Keeps the airways open longer and decreases the work of breathing
  •   
  • Prolongs exhalation to slow the breathing rate
  •   
  • Improves breathing patterns by moving old air out of the lungs and allowing for new air to enter the lungs
  •   
  • Relieves shortness of breath
  •   
  • Causes general relaxation

When should I use this technique?
Use this technique during the difficult part of any activity, such as bending, lifting or stair climbing.

Practice this technique 4-5 times a day at first so you can get the correct breathing pattern.

imagePursed lip breathing technique

1. Relax your neck and shoulder muscles. (figure to right)
2. Breathe in (inhale) slowly through your nose for two counts, keeping your mouth closed. Don't take a deep breath; a normal breath will do. imageIt may help to count to yourself: inhale, one, two.(figure to right)

3. Pucker or "purse" your lips as if you were going to whistle or gently flicker the flame of a candle. (figure to left)

image4. Breathe out (exhale) slowly and gently through your pursed lips while counting to four. It may help to count to yourself: exhale, one, two, three, four. (figure to right)

With regular practice, this technique will seem natural to you. 

© Copyright 1995-2005 The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. All rights reserved

 

 

                                                                                         
image image image image image image image image image image image image

This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. For additional written health information, please contact the Health Information Center at the Cleveland Clinic (216) 444-3771 or toll-free (800) 223-2273 extension 43771 or visit www.clevelandclinic.org/health/.

 

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About the Author
63 years old. 20 year smoker. 11 Years FREE! Diagnosed with COPD. Choosing a Quality LIFE! It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. -Galatians 5:1