For most people, breathing is a simple process they dont need to think about.
Asthma is a chronic lung condition causing inflammation in the airways and restricting the flow of air.
COPD is a condition involving the restriction of large airways and the breakdown of air sacs.
Verywell / Mayya Agapova
Verywell / Mayya Agapova
Respiratory conditions like these are often chronic.
In this article, we’ll review how breathing exercises help and the easy how-to.
What Is Pursed Lip Breathing?
This exercise helps to slow down your breathing and improve the intake of oxygen in your lungs.
This improves oxygenation, making this technique useful for people with respiratory conditions like COPD.
As COPD progresses, it becomes more difficult for people to control their oxygen levels.
Practicing the pursed-lip breathing technique can help relieve shortness of breath and increase oxygen intake.
How to Do It
The pursed-lip breathing technique is simple to do.
Still, it requires some practice to use the correct technique for maximum results.
Try the technique when sitting up straight with your shoulders relaxed or lying flat.
Imagine trying to fill your abdomen with air and not just your lungs.
Step 2: Pucker Your Lips
Pucker or purse your lips.
They should be nearly touching, like when whistling or blowing out a candle.
Step 3: Exhale Slowly
Slowly exhale through your mouth.
It should take two to three times longer to exhale than it took to inhale.
Step 4: Repeat
Repeat the inhale and exhale for three to five breathes.
It may help to count you inhale and exhale in your head.
Try for at least 2 seconds for your inhale and 4 seconds for your exhale.
Try not to over-utilize this technique, however.
And discontinue the practice immediately if you feel light-headed or worn out.
Techniques like pursed-lip breathing can help train your breathing and make it easier to maintain control over your breath.
Nguyen JD, Duong H.Pursed-lip breathing.
StatPearls Publishing; 2021.
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