{"id":5711,"date":"2017-02-21T16:12:02","date_gmt":"2017-02-21T21:12:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/joinastudy.ca\/?p=5711"},"modified":"2018-08-09T14:05:47","modified_gmt":"2018-08-09T18:05:47","slug":"diaphragmatic-breathing-exercises","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/joinastudy.ca\/fr\/diaphragmatic-breathing-exercises\/","title":{"rendered":"Diaphragmatic Breathing, and other exercises for COPD"},"content":{"rendered":"

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) causes the individual’s\u00a0lungs to gradually lose their ability to get enough oxygen\u00a0to the body<\/a>. This can result in a feeling of breathlessness, making people with COPD reluctant to engage in exercise.<\/p>\n

But exercise is extremely important for people with COPD. The less active you are, the less you\u2019ll be able to do. The weaker your muscles are, the more oxygen you will need for everyday activities<\/a> like cooking or shopping.<\/p>\n

The key to slowing down the progression of COPD<\/a> is to strengthen your body\u00a0with proper exercise.\u00a0It’s important to focus on exercises that help your chest muscles stay active<\/a>. And it’s also important to keep up strength in your legs and arms so that regular routine activities won’t be so challenging.<\/p>\n

Breathing Exercises for COPD Patients<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Breathing exercises are an important way to strengthen your breathing muscles when you have COPD<\/a>. With the proper breathing exercises, you will be able to get more oxygen into your lungs \u2013 enabling you to breathe easier and with less effort.<\/p>\n

Below are two deep breathing exercise examples: pursed-lip and diaphragmatic breathing. Individuals who suffer from COPD will want to do these exercises for 5 \u2013 10 minutes, 3 \u2013 4 times a day.<\/p>\n

1- The Pursed-Lip Breathing Exercise<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The pursed-lip breathing exercise is a method used to help\u00a0prevent air from getting trapped in your lungs<\/a>. This breathing exercise can also help relieve stress and anxiety, including stress related to the feelings you might have due to being short of breath.<\/p>\n

Here are the 4 pursed-lip breathing exercise steps:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Relax your shoulders and neck.<\/li>\n
  2. Breathe in through your nose for a count of three.<\/li>\n
  3. Purse your lips like you are about to whistle and release the air through your lips.<\/li>\n
  4. Exhale for about twice as long as you inhaled, but avoid forcing the air out.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

     <\/p>\n

    2- Diaphragmatic Breathing<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    The diaphragmatic breathing exercise helps\u00a0COPD patients to strengthen their diaphragm<\/a>. Your diaphragm is a dome-shaped muscle that moves up and down beneath your lungs as you breathe.<\/p>\n

    For this exercise, you will want to start slowly with just a few breaths. The end goal is to get up to 12 deep breaths without getting tired.<\/p>\n

    Here are the 4 steps to diaphragmatic breathing:<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Lie on your back with a pillow under your knees.<\/li>\n
    2. Place one hand on your chest, and the other hand on your stomach.<\/li>\n
    3. Try to keep your chest still, but as you breathe allow your stomach to rise.<\/li>\n
    4. Breathe in for a count of three, then breathe out slowly through pursed lips for a count of six.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

       <\/p>\n

      Coughing Techniques<\/strong><\/h2>\n

      \"Diaphragmatic<\/p>\n

      Coughing due to excess mucus buildup is\u00a0one of the main symptoms of COPD.<\/a>\u00a0Keeping hydrated can\u00a0help to thin the mucus, making it easier to clear from the lungs. Practicing and using the following coughing techniques can also help to clear the\u00a0airways more effectively without overtiring you.<\/p>\n

      1-\u00a0The\u00a0Huff-Cough<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n