COPD & Emphysema Support Group

COPD is a progressive disease characterized by airflow obstruction or limitation. Emphysema is characterized by loss of elasticity of the lung tissue, destruction of structures supporting the alveoli and of capillaries feeding the alveoli. Both have symptoms that include shortness of breath, among other respiratory troubles. If you are a COPD or Emphysema sufferer, join...

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Breathing Patterns

DottieJean
DottieJean

Lately I keeping subconciously blow air forcefully out of my lungs.  I have Emphysema.  Anyone know why or have experience with this?



Thanks, Happy New Year


Dottie

zelli
zelli
You are blowing out air in order to bring in new air. The lungs trap air and pursed lip breathing helps to clear out air. Pursed lip breathing is helpful. Inhale through the nose to the count of two and exhale through pursed lips to the count of four.
Peta44
Peta44
Its good to exhale as much air as possible to make room for more air on the inhale.

When short of breath, exhale first then inhale.

Breath count is also good to practise as well as pursed lipped as zelli mentions.

Breath count is exhale for 4, inhale for 2-3, if you exhale for larger count you have more space for the inhale count, you can inhale deeper and longer this way. Do what is comfortable, if you can only inhale for 2 counts comfortably aim to exhale for 3 or 4 counts. If you practise this you can improve the count on the exhale and the inhale.

http://www.webmd.com/lung/copd/features/copd-breathing-tips?page=3
Bettyrunge
Bettyrunge
Yes, exhaling is more difficult with emphysema than inhaling. Making room in lungs for fresh air is important.