Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

If you have a loved one who has COPD, learn as much as you can about it.  It could save their life!!


Living with a lung disease like COPD can be difficult, but there are practical steps you can take that will help you better manage COPD symptoms. (Yoga and Tai Chi are great for COPD)

Don't smoke, Eat healthy, Learn breathing exercises, Lots of good sleep, Stay active, Avoid irritating your lungs and Work with your doctor!  Learning to breath properly is important for everyone.  Nine out of ten persons breath improperly. 
Breathe like a baby.  The correct form of breathing (Diaphragmatic) is to push the abdomen out while inhaling and let it come back in  while exhaling.  (Inhale - Abdomen out  ...  Exhale - Abdomen in)

Learn to cough properly with the Huff Cough Technique for COPD

This exercise helps COPD patients cough more effectively without getting worn out. To practice this technique, follow these steps:

While sitting in a chair, take several deep breaths as you would for diaphragmatic breathing.
Place your hand over your stomach and breathe normally.
Tighten up your stomach and chest muscles with your mouth open. 
Force air out while whispering the word "huff."

Easy Exercises for COPD Patients    

These exercises are also helpful if you are a shallow breather!!

Pursed-lip Breathing:

This breathing exercise prevents air from being trapped in your lungs if you have COPD. Pursed-lip breathing allows you to breathe in more fresh air and reduces the anxiety and stress you may have from feeling short of breath. This is how it's done:
Let your neck and shoulders relax.
Breathe in through your nose while counting to three
Release all the air through your lips — purse your lips as though you were going to whistle.
Exhale for twice as long as you inhaled, but don't force the air out.
"Pursed lip breathing is like smelling roses and blowing out a candle," 
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Diaphragmatic Breathing for COPD  With practice you should be able to get up to 12 deep breaths without tiring:
Lie on your back with a pillow under your knees.
Put one hand on your stomach and the other on your chest.
As you breathe in, let your stomach rise, but try to keep your chest still.
Breathe in to a count of three and then slowly breathe out through pursed lips to a count of six.

Another Easy Exercise

Pull your elbows back firmly while standing or sitting.
Take a deep breath.
Hold it for the count of five.
Exhale slowly and completely.