The Best Breathing Exercises for COPD

If you’re living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), one of the best ways to help manage shortness of breath and improve your quality of life is to do breathing exercises. Here, we’ll explain why these help and share four breathing exercises you can try at home (though you should only try these exercises with your doctor’s approval).

How Breathing Exercises Help With COPD

Breathing exercises can benefit those with COPD because they help you both inhale and exhale fully, Onugha says. Breathing exercises that fully empty the lungs help clear trapped air and reduce episodes of shortness of breath.

Breathing exercises can also help people with COPD learn how to use their “breathing muscles” rather than other muscles in the body that use more energy to assist with breathing, like the arms, says Rebecca Lynn, a respiratory care coordinator at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital in Aurora.

In other words, with the right practice, these exercises can help retrain your breathing.

4 Breathing Exercises for COPD

Not everyone will have the same COPD treatment plan. Often, a respiratory therapist will guide you in how to perform specific breathing exercises selected for you and how to do them correctly. Some people may need additional help, such as oxygen or medication, so it’s essential to work with your doctor and respiratory therapist before adding any new exercises.

Some of the breathing exercises most helpful for COPD include:

1. Pursed Lip Breathing

Onugha recommends pursed lip breathing as the top exercise for anyone with COPD. To perform this exercise:

1. Breathe in through your nose for a count of three.
2. Breathe out through pursed lips, as if you’re blowing out a candle, for a count of three.

Lynn also recommends using this breathing exercise when you’re exerting yourself. For example, if you’re climbing a flight of stairs, you can take a breath in before you climb, then begin breathing out with pursed lips as you climb a few steps, repeating every two or three steps.

2. Belly Breathing

Belly breathing, also known as diaphragmatic breathing, can help empty your lungs by focusing on breathing with your entire chest and abdomen. Performing belly breathing also allows your diaphragm to lower, which then allows your lungs to fill.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Place your hand on your belly so you can feel it expand, and breathe in through your nose. Your shoulders, neck, and chest should be as relaxed as possible.
2. Exhale all of the air through pursed lips, feeling your belly as you breathe out.

Lynn recommends doing belly breathing while at rest, such as sitting in a chair or lying down, until it becomes routine.

3. Deep Breathing

Deep breathing is exactly what it sounds like, and the steps are simple:

1. Take a deep breath, then hold it for a few moments.
2. When you’re ready, exhale slowly through your nose.

Like belly breathing, you can practice deep breathing when you’re at rest.

4. Mindful, Purposeful Breathing

1. Inhale for a count of one as you prepare to perform an activity or exercise.
2. Exhale for a count of two as you perform the part of the activity or exercise when you’re exerting yourself the most.

The idea is to simply focus on your breath without rushing or judging.

How Often Should You Do Breathing Exercises With COPD?

Lynn says no matter which breathing exercise you choose, it’s a good idea to begin practicing them at home. Work up to using them with all of your daily activities, such as walking, cleaning, or bathing.

The Takeaway

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) causes shortness of breath and other breathing difficulties, and, in combination with the resulting changes in breathing patterns, can leave you gasping or feeling hungry for air.
• Breathing exercises can help those with COPD improve their lung function and take in more oxygen, but it’s important to work with a doctor or therapist who can show you how to properly perform the exercises.
• Breathing exercises for those with COPD include pursed lip breathing, belly breathing, deep breathing, and mindful breathing.
• Those with COPD can practice breathing techniques every day throughout the day, as recommended by their healthcare team.

Support for COPD

COPD Foundation

Founded 20 years ago, the COPD Foundation is a nationwide nonprofit organization that offers a wealth of information about the disease and a support community for those with COPD, in addition to its research and advocacy efforts. The foundation also provides educational materials and a support group for caregivers.

Better Breathers Club

The American Lung Association’s Better Breathers Club connects those living with COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, lung cancer, and asthma. It hosts events such as social gatherings, guest lectures, and active discussions. Local clubs are available with in-person events, and virtual clubs with meetings over Zoom are also an option.