It's important to avoid shortness of breath when you have COPD. Breath training can help you take deeper breaths so you can breathe easier and feel better.
Breath training methods include:
Try practicing both exercises, pursed-lip breathing and belly breathing (diaphragmatic breathing), 3 or 4 times a day. Plan to do each exercise for about 10 minutes. As you get more comfortable doing these breathing exercises, you can also do them to feel better when you are short of breath.
Breathing while bending forward at the waist may make breathing easier. It can reduce shortness of breath. It helps the diaphragm move more easily. Make sure to hold on to something sturdy like a countertop or chair if you're standing.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you have any problems.
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