Johns Hopkins Health Alert
Living With COPD -- Breathing Training Brings Benefits
- Breath training helps to control breathing rate, decrease the amount of energy required for breathing, and improve the position and function of the respiratory muscles for people suffering from COPD.
Recent observations have underscored the benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation programs for people with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). While maintaining general strength through regular aerobic exercise is beneficial, lung exercises to strengthen the muscles used for breathing are also important for people with COPD. Breath training helps to control breathing rate, decrease the amount of energy required for breathing and improve the position and function of the respiratory muscles. A respiratory therapist can help people with COPD practice the following techniques:
* Pursed-lip breathing for COPD. Inhale through your nose, and then exhale with your lips pursed in a whistling or kissing position. Each inhalation should take about two seconds and each exhalation should last about four to six seconds. It is not clear how pursed-lip breathing brings symptom relief for people with COPD, but it may work by keeping the airways open.
* Diaphragmatic breathing for COPD. The diaphragm is the main muscle used for normal breathing. People with COPD, however, may also use the muscles in the rib cage, neck and abdomen to breathe. This method is less efficient than using the diaphragm. To practice using the diaphragm, lie on your back, place your hand or a small book on your abdomen, and breathe. Your hand or the book should rise on inhalation and fall on exhalation. Practice for 20 minutes twice daily. Once you have mastered this skill while lying down, try to do it while sitting up.
* Forward-bending posture for COPD. Breathing while bending slightly forward from the waist relieves symptoms for some people with severe COPD, possibly because the diaphragm has more room to expand.
Posted in Lung Disorders on April 17, 2006
Reviewed June 2011
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When I quit smoking, I bought those old fashioned stick candies, broke them in half, and always had one handy to stick in my mouth. You just have to watch out for the sugar causing tooth decay, but it definitely reduced the craving. It also helps with the weight gain a lot of people struggle against when they quit. I imagine they ight even make sugar free kinds these days. Some say cinnamon is good, others swear by root beer. It reproduces the tarry taste, I suppose. Other people suggest carrot sticks, or celery cut into narrow sticks. Best of luck with your campaign to quit!
Posted by: Jo | December 4, 2006 6:10 AM
Dear Chris....I know it's really hard to quit smoking. I did it about 25 yrs. ago and I am glad I did. I was recently diagnosed with COPD too. One doc says it's from smoking but 2 others say it's due to my scoliosis which sort of I guess you'd say smushes or doesn't give the lungs much room.
As far as quitting smoking goes, I remember it being terrible. I really don't remember exactly how I did it. It took tons of willpower and just not giving in for nothing. I know you have to try and stay away from the things and situations that make you want to smoke. I think I took walks after eating. I think drinking lots of water helps to; it rids your body of all the toxins. Maybe you could go to a program that helps smokers to quit and gives them buddies to help them.
All I know is it's one of the best things that you can do for yourself. It may take a while for the cravings to go away but it's all worth it in the end. I think they have pills and patches now too.
I've had friends die from lung cancer that spread through their bodies and it wasn't good. I was with one friend and her son had to fix all of her pills for her and leave notes on which ones to take when so that she wouldn't get mixed up; there were so many. Her cancer was the most aggressive type and in about 3-4 mos. she was gone. I was with her this one day and she said that she just wanted to see another really pretty snowstorm but she didn't get her wish. It was very sad. I just couldn't go to her funeral because I was too upset. I recently had another friend pass away also. It went from her lungs to her brain.
I feel this way, Chris, life's just too darn short and we shouldn't do anything to make it any shorter.
I hope I helped some and I wish you all the willpower and strength that you'll need. God bless you. Ellie
Posted by: HEARTZAP | January 3, 2007 11:43 PM
I smoked my last cigarette in my garage as I was leaving to go to the ER and I knew it was my last--I had prolonged seeing a Dr. for so long that my COPD was severe--I had patches while in the hospital have never even considered smoking another one--that was 14 months ago--can't stand the smell on people, clothing, or air. When people smoke and come into a room with me, I immediately start coughing and have to ask them to wash their hands and change their shirts. When you do quit-- and YOU WILL, food will taste better, smell is more sensitive, and you will feel better all over--I PROMISE YOU THAT!! Even though you have this progressive disease as I do, proper breathing will become natural to you and you will breath correctly without even realizing it. Let me know how your "quit" program is going and God bless you--it's the best thing u can do for yourself and your family, Sincerely, Jennie Collins PICK A QUIT DATE_WRITE IT DOWN AND DO IT
Posted by: Jennie Collins | May 10, 2009 10:27 AM
My sister was a long time smoker too. Actually she started late, but she was able to quit using Chantrix. She has to go through it twice. She was required to do this because she was perparing to have the gastric bypass operation. I don't know if quitting smoking was just a requirement for her or for everyone who preparing to have the gastric bypass.
On the other hand, I was a very,very casual smoker. Never got addicted. It just wasn't for me. I never could get over the smell of smoke on your breath and clothes, hair, etc. If I smoked reguarly, I would probably be taking lots of baths and showers just because I like things that smell pleasant.
Thank you for sharing...
Posted by: dmedina | February 23, 2011 8:39 PM
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Hi, I was just diagnoised with COPD. I have been along time smoker. I am now trying to quit, with the aid of patches and a new drug called, Chantrix that is taken for 12 weeks. I was in hospital for a week, just a couple of weeks ago. I am still wanting to smoke, but I will say that the meds I take have decreased that feeling greatly. I have noticed that if I'm upset or impatient about anything the urge to smoke is more severe. Is there anything else that I can do to relieve the craving or feeling of "I need a cigarette" I do want to quit and am going to get thur this next several weeks no matter what. But if there is any other information or something someone else has tried I would appreciate any info on what may have worked foe them. I have been told that Cinnamon works for stop smoking, but I don't seem to be able to find any info on it. Do you have or know where I can get any info related to this? Thank you for your time.... Chris
Posted by: BettyAnn | November 20, 2006 2:17 PM