Breathing Exercise for Emphysema

Emphysema is a condition that occurs when the air sacs in the lungs get damaged. The condition is progressive and causes symptoms like wheezing, coughing and difficulty breathing. Treatment often consists of medication and lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking. Breathing exercises are also usually taught to help manage symptoms.

Significance

Shortness of breath is one of the main symptoms of individuals living with emphysema. Depending on the extent of the disease, it will often increase with even slight exertion. Breathing exercises can be taught by nurses, respiratory therapists and doctors to educate patients on how to ease shortness of breath and improve function. Although breathing exercises will not reverse lung damage or cure emphysema, they can improve the quality of life.

Types

Two of the most commonly used exercises are pursed-lip breathing and diaphragmatic breathing. Both breathing techniques should be practiced several times a day, so when an individual needs to use them, she will already be familiar with how to perform the technique.

Process

Pursed-lip breathing is done by inhaling through the nose for about two or three seconds. Purse the lips by puckering them. Exhale through pursed lips for twice the amount of time as inhalation. Diaphragmatic breathing is done by lying on your back and putting one hand just above your navel and one hand on your upper chest. Breathe in slowly through your nose and concentrate on using your diaphragm. You should feel your abdomen move out as you inhale, but your chest should not move. Exhale through your mouth and allow your abdomen to sink inward. After practicing the technique while lying down and getting used to focusing on the diaphragm, you can begin to employ it while sitting upright or standing.

Function

Because the air sacs are damaged, they lose their elasticity. Exhalation becomes difficult and air may become trapped in the lungs. This causes a buildup of carbon dioxide and prevents enough oxygen from entering the lungs on inhalation. Pursed-lip breathing helps increase the exhalation time and release trapped air from the lungs. Diaphragmatic breathing helps train an individual concentrate on using the diaphragm during breathing, which may decrease the exertion during breathing. Both techniques can help slow breathing and promote relaxation.

Considerations

Pursed-lip breathing should be performed at the beginning of activities that may cause an individual shortness of breath. This may help reduce trouble breathing. For example, do pursed-lip breathing as you climb stairs or walk up a hill. It can also be used once shortness of breath occurs. However the sooner it is used, the better the chances are of it being effective.