Progressive damage to the lungs from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can severely limit a person’s ability to breathe and, by extension, their quality of life. Despite the lack of a solution, people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can improve their quality of life by including breathing exercises. In this post, we’ll look at several breathing techniques that are helpful for people with COPD. Check out breathing exercises for musicians.
Breathing Through the Nose
Exercises that encourage pursed-lip breathing can assist people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) deal with their shortness of breath symptoms and breathe more efficiently. Put your shoulders back and settle in. Close your mouth like you’re ready to blow out a candle and inhale deeply through your nose for two counts. Let your breath out slowly through tightly pursed lips for a count of four. This method slows breathing, increases exhalation duration, and improves airway clearance. Pursed-lip breathing can help you relax and control your breathing better, so try it out throughout your regular tasks.
Abdominal breathing
Breathing with the diaphragm (or “belly”) helps increase oxygen intake, strengthen respiratory muscles, and lessen feelings of breathlessness. Get cozy, whether that’s on the couch or the floor. Hold your chest with one hand and your stomach with the other. Let your stomach drop as you exhale completely through tightly pursed lips. Pay attention to how your diaphragm moves as you breathe in and out. Regular diaphragmatic breathing is highly recommended to maximize oxygen exchange and encourage efficient breathing patterns.
Deep, Regular Breaths
By controlling the rate and depth of your breaths, paced breathing can alleviate the shortness of breath and anxiety often accompanying chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Get in a relaxed stance and slow your breathing down. Take a few deep breaths in through your nose while counting to three. Slowly count to four or six as you exhale. Try to breathe normally and avoid taking any extra deep or short breaths. Paced breathing throughout regular activities or times of greater dyspnea improves serenity by encouraging a balanced exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Learn more about COPD breathing exercises here. Check out breathing techniques for musicians.
Aerobic Exercise for the Lungs
Strengthening the muscles used for inhalation through exercise can improve lung capacity and the ability to hold air breath for an extended period. You can train your ability to take deep breaths using a spirometer or a portable inspiratory muscle trainer. As your muscles get stronger, you can increase the resistance level. Inspiratory muscle exercise, when used routinely, can increase airflow to the lungs, lessen episodes of shortness of breath, and sharpen the effectiveness of the respiratory muscles. If you want to know what exercise program and equipment would work best for you, it’s best to go to a doctor.