Description
Breathing Exercises for People experiencing Difficulty Breathing due to Emphysema and Chronic Bronchitis

Emphysema and Chronic Bronchitis are commonly referred to as Chronic Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and affects the lungs ability to handle air exchange easily, and makes breathing more difficult. With Chronic Bronchitis, the main tubes to your lungs (called Bronchioles) develop thickened membranes which secrete large amounts of thick phlegm. With Emphysema, the air sacs within the lung loose elasticity, breaks open and traps air preventing air exchange. In both cases breathing becomes very difficult because air that is inhaled can not be expelled easily or completely. Because we use certain muscles to inhale and exhale air into our bodies, exercising and supporting these muscles helps slow down the disease process and helps minimize difficulty breathing.

At the end of this exercise, you should have a clearing of secretions, exercising and supporting breathing muscles—less difficulty breathing

What you will need

• Sturdy Table tall enough to raise your diaphragm when both elbows are placed on it
• Several Firm Pillows that will help support an upright and leaning forward position over the table top
• Clean (not dusty) Electrical Fans
• Facial Tissues
• Disposable Bag to discard used facial tissues

Task Time
10 Minutes, 4 times daily

Steps

1. Locate sturdy table (suggest kitchen or dining room table)
2. Assemble pillows, facial tissues, and disposal bag
3. Turn on the Electrical Fan
4. Sit upright, straighten your back and lean slightly forward
5. Inhale slowly and as deeply as possible through your nose. Hold for 2-3 seconds.
6. Holding the pillows to your abdomen to support your abdominal muscles, cough deeply
7. Repeat this coughing exercise 3-4 times, clearing any phlegm produced into tissues and discarding them into a disposable bag
8. Place pillows on table, and position arms as to embrace pillows, Rest Head on pillows to allow fullest expansion of lungs
9. Repeat exercises 4 times a day

Reminders

• Take medications and follow instructions as ordered by Physician
• Plan rest periods throughout any planned activity
• If during activity breathing becomes more difficulty, blow out (exhale) forcibly as if you are trying to blow out candles on a cake and rest as soon as possible
• Avoid hot humid temperatures

When to Contact Physician

• An increased difficulty breathing that rest does not resolve
• An increase in the Amount or Thickness of secretions
• Secretions are darkening or are green-yellow in color
• Decrease response and relief by medications as before
  Adverse reaction to new medications
• Body Temperature above 101 F orally

For more information
National Heart and Blood Institute definition