The document discusses effective breathing techniques to help control shortness of breath, particularly beneficial during exercise and daily activities. It outlines methods such as diaphragmatic breathing and pursed lip breathing, emphasizing the importance of relaxation and proper technique. Additional recommendations include using resistance during practice and tips for managing shortness of breath during activities.

1. *
Breathing Techniques
Babette Parthum, RRT
Clinical Coordinator
Respiratory Therapy

2. ● One of the most effective ways to
control shortness of breath
● These techniques help move more air
into and out of lungs with each breath
● Keeps airways open longer during
exhalation.
● Lessens shortness of breath during
exercise and other daily activities
*

3. ● Sit down or lie on your back so that you are
relaxed.
● Put one hand on your upper chest and the other
hand on your stomach just above your waist.
● Inhale slowly through your nose for at least 2
counts. As you inhale you should feel your
stomach move out.
● Exhale through pursed lips for 4 counts. As
you exhale you should feel your stomach move
in.
*

4. ● Work against resistance.
● Once you have mastered diaphragmatic
breathing, you can add a little weight.
● Lie on the bed with a weight on your stomach
and do a few minutes of diaphragmatic
breathing.
● Start with a lighter weight (bag of dried
beans) and work up to a heavier weight (bag
of flour).

6. ● Relax neck and shoulder muscles.
● Inhale slowly through your nose for at least
2 counts.
● Purse (pucker) your lips as if you are
blowing out a candle.
● Exhale slowly through your pursed lips for
4 counts (twice as long as you inhale).
● Do Not force the air out of your lungs
*

7. ● Get a bottle of kids’ bubbles that comes with a
wand.
● Follow the steps for pursed lip breathing.
● If you have lots of little bubbles, you are
breathing too fast.
● If you have no bubble, you are not breathing
hard enough.
● Your goal should be one slow, big bubble that
hangs on the wand.
*

9. *
● Improves ventilation.
● Keeps the airways open longer, decreasing the
work of breathing.
● Prolongs exhalation to control the breathing rate.
● Improves breathing patterns by moving old air
out of the lungs and allowing for new air to enter
the lungs.
● Releases trapped air in the lungs by opening up
the airways enough to release more air.
● Relieves shortness of breath.

10. Tips to Breathing Better
StopStopstop
When you feel short of breath:
Stop, Reset, Continue
● Stop your activity.
● Reset by sitting down, relax your shoulders,
and do pursed-lips breathing until you catch
your breath.
● Continue activity, doing pursed-lips breathing
as you go. Go at a slower pace if you need to.

11. References
● American Lung Association
● COPD Foundation
● National Heart, Lung, and Blood
Institute