Discharge Instructions: Controlled Breathing for COPD
Discharge Instructions: Controlled Breathing for COPD
When you have lung problems, you may find it harder to take deep breaths. Learning to use controlled breathing can help you get more air into and out of your lungs. This will help you with shortness of breath. Belly breathing (diaphragmatic breathing) helps you breathe with your diaphragm. The diaphragm is a large muscle that plays an important part in breathing. It is located below your lungs. It separates your chest from your belly (abdomen).
Home care
Follow these steps to use controlled breathing:
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Sit in a comfortable chair. Or lie on your back with a pillow under your head with your knees bent.
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Relax the muscles in your neck and shoulders.
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Place one hand on your stomach. Place the other hand on your upper chest.
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Breathe in (inhale) slowly through your nose as deeply as you can. As you inhale, your stomach should move out against your hand. Your chest should stay still.
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Breathe out (exhale) slowly with your lips together (called pursed lips). You should exhale 2 to 4 times longer than your inhale. You should feel your stomach muscles move in.
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Repeat the above steps until you feel relaxed. Or until you no longer feel short of breath.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your healthcare provider, or as advised.
When to call the healthcare provider
Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following:
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Shortness of breath that is not eased by controlled breathing exercises or by your medicine
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Wheezing or coughing
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More mucus
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Yellow, green, bloody, or smelly mucus
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Fever or chills
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Tightness in your chest that does not go away with your normal medicines
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Irregular heartbeat
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Swollen ankles
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Trouble doing your normal activities
Updated:  
September 03, 2019
Sources:  
Holland, AE. Breathing Exercises for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2012;10: 1-90., Lifestyle and Home Remedies, American College of Chest Physicians
Reviewed By:  
Alan J Blaivas DO,Wanda Taylor RN PhD,Daphne Pierce-Smith RN MSN CCRC