Health Topics for Respiratory Problems

Department of Respiratory Care

Lung Cancer Program

Interstitial Lung Disease -- Department of Internal Medicine

Allergies

Breathing exercises

Breathing exercises can help persons with chronic airway obstruction. They improve exercise performance, as well. People control their breathing better, even under stress, when they use breathing exercises. People are often asked to do them before and after abdominal, heart, or lung surgery, because breathing exercises help prevent the development of pneumonia in people who are not able to get up and move around easily.

The goal of these exercises is to make use of the entire lung and keep the chest muscles active. The main technique is to prolong one's exhalation or outward breath. A nurse or therapist can teach a person the proper ways for doing the breathing exercises. The person can then perform them at home. Learning in front of a mirror is useful. Ideally, one performs them ten times a session, three or four times a day.

The exercises focus on three areas: the upper chest, the lower side ribs, and the diaphragm. The diaphragm is the large flat muscle located between the lungs and the abdomen that moves when we either breathe in (inhaling) or breathe out (exhaling). To people with breathing difficulties, the diaphragm is particularly important when exhaling.

By placing hands on certain spots, the nurse or therapist shows how to inhale deeply and expand that area only. For example, you may try to expand the upper chest but not the lower. For each exercise, the person should focus on the chosen area and not use the neck or shoulder muscles.

Breathing from the diaphragm causes the front lower ribs to flare out. To practice this, lie on your back with knees bent and supported by pillows. Place your fingers on your belly just below your ribcage. As you inhale deeply, your belly and lower ribs should rise while your chest remains fairly still. Inhale for a count of three and exhale for a count of six. You should prolong exhaling with your lips slightly puckered. With practice, you should be able to do a dozen such breaths without tiring. When you have mastered this, try it standing. Finally, practice it while walking or even climbing stairs. You may also try it with your lips puckered while you inhale.

The next step is deep breathing. Sit or stand, pull your elbows back firmly, and inhale deeply. Hold your breath for a count of five before exhaling slowly and completely.

If you have chronic airway obstruction, ask your healthcare provider which exercises will work for you.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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