What are COPD breathing exercises, and how can they help?

COPD breathing exercises are techniques designed to strengthen the diaphragm and abdominal muscles, improving lung function and reducing breathing difficulties associated with COPD.

What is diaphragmatic breathing, and how is it performed?

Diaphragmatic breathing involves deep breathing techniques that engage the diaphragm and promote efficient oxygen exchange in the lungs. To perform diaphragmatic breathing, lie on your back with knees bent, place one hand on the stomach and the other on the chest, inhale deeply through the nose while ensuring the stomach rises and the chest remains still, exhale slowly through slightly pursed lips while tightening the stomach muscles.

How does controlled coughing help individuals with COPD?

Controlled coughing is a technique used to help clear mucus from the airways, which can alleviate breathing difficulties in individuals with COPD. To perform controlled coughing, inhale deeply using diaphragmatic breathing, hold the breath for three seconds, then cough once while pressing gently on the stomach to push mucus up into the throat, followed by coughing again to clear the mucus from the throat.

What is pursed-lip breathing, and when should it be practiced?

Pursed-lip breathing is a technique used during physical activities to control breathing and reduce shortness of breath in individuals with COPD. To practice pursed-lip breathing, sit comfortably, inhale through the nose, then purse the lips as if about to whistle and exhale slowly and gently through pursed lips for four seconds or twice as long as the inhalation. This technique can be beneficial during exercise, climbing stairs, or carrying out other physical activities.

How often should COPD breathing exercises be performed?

COPD breathing exercises should be performed for five to ten minutes several times a day, as tolerated by the individual. Consistent practice of these exercises is essential for maximizing their benefits and improving lung function over time.

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COPD Breathing Exercises to Help Relieve Symptoms

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can transform daily life into a battle. The good news is that there are breathing exercises to help relieve the symptoms and enhance quality of life. CareFor, a leading provider of Austin caregiving services and in-home care in nearby areas, recommends the following COPD breathing exercises to help strengthen the diaphragm and abdominal muscles, so those with COPD can take in more oxygen and expend less effort into breathing.

Try these exercises for five to ten minutes several times every day.

Diaphragmatic Breathing

Lie on your back on a firm bed or the floor with your knees bent. Support your knees and head with pillows.
Put one hand on the stomach and the other on the chest.
Breathe deeply through your nose to a count of three. Use your hands to make sure that your stomach rises while your chest continues to be still.
Tighten your stomach muscles, and then breathe out through slightly pursed lips to the count of six. Confirm that the chest stays still.
Repeat for five to ten minutes as tolerated.

Controlled Coughing

This tactic can be used along with diaphragmatic breathing to help remove mucus from the airways.

Get a tissue and sit upright in a comfortable chair. Bend your head slightly forward. Set your feet firmly on the floor.
Use diaphragmatic breathing to inhale deeply. Try to hold your breath for 3 seconds.
Put one hand on the stomach underneath your ribs. Press it gently in and up toward the diaphragm while coughing once. This should help to push the mucus up into your throat. Cough again to clear the mucus from your throat.
Spit the mucus into a tissue.
Rest for a moment or two and repeat as necessary. Be sure to properly wash your hands when you have finished.

Pursed-Lip Breathing

Practice this technique so you can use it when exercising or other physical activities such as climbing stairs or carrying groceries.

Sit in a chair and relax your neck and shoulders.
Take a normal breath in through the nose with the mouth closed.
Purse your lips as though you were about to whistle, then breathe out slowly and gently for four seconds through your pursed lips. If four seconds is too long, try to breathe out for twice as long as you inhale.
Repeat for a minute or so, as long as it is comfortable.

At CareFor, our care professionals are thoroughly trained and experienced in assisting those with COPD with exercising, along with a full range of in-home care services. Reach out to us at (512) 338-4533 to learn more about how our Austin caregiving services can help. Visit our Service Area page to see all of the communities we serve.

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