How Pursed-Lip Breathing Can Help Those With Chronic Lung Diseases

This video from the American Lung Association demonstrates how to perform the “pursed-lip” breathing technique and explains how it can help those who are living with a chronic lung disease.

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The exercise helps people who are experiencing shortness of breath and provides a quick and easy way to slow down the pace of breathing, instilling a sense of calm and making each breath more effective. Pursed-lip breathing allows more oxygen to enter the lungs helping to better control breathing.

Pursed-lip breathing is best done sitting down in a chair with relaxed neck and shoulder muscles. You should then breathe in slowly and deeply through your nose with your mouth closed, and then with pursed lips (as though you were going to whistle or kiss someone) exhale slowly. Exhaling for longer than you inhaled will ensure that you get all of the air out of your lungs. You can continue pursed-lip breathing until you feel better and your breathing has returned to normal. If your breathing doesn’t return to normal after a few minutes, seek urgent medical attention.

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