The pursed lip breathing helps a LOT with the feeling of shortness of breath. I had a respiratory therapist tell me to buy some bubble juice and to inhale through my nose and exhale SLOWLY through pursed lips. If you exhale too quickly or too aggressively...you don't get any bubbles. Make sure you have gotten rid of everything that reminds you of smoking...no lighters, ashtrays, cigarettes, if you smoked inside...stop that first and then when you have to go outside to smoke, you will have to think about what you are doing. You CAN do this and it really does get easier. Our best response to COPD is to stop smoking, as soon as possible.
Welcome to EX,
Ellen
