Breathing exercises

Breathing exercises can help you feel less short of breath. They should be practiced every day, and especially when you feel short of breath or are exercising.

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Pursed-lip breathing: People with COPD have air trapped in their lungs. Pursed-lip breathing helps get rid of this air.

1. Breathe in slowly through your nose for two seconds.
2. Purse your lips like you are going to whistle.
3. Breathe out through pursed lips for four seconds or more until your lungs feel empty. Breathe out naturally; don't push the air out of your lungs.

Diaphragmatic breathing: This technique promotes diaphragm use and recruits the lower respiratory muscles.

1. Breathe in slowly and deeply through your nose.
2. While breathing in, push your stomach out. Place your hand on your stomach so you can feel your stomach going out.
3. Breathe out slowly and deeply through your mouth. While breathing out, let your stomach relax. Feel your stomach going in with your hand.
   
   Count 1, 2 when breathing in.
   
   Count 1, 2, 3, 4 while slowly breathing out.