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World COPD Day - 5 techniques to prevent breathlessness if you have COPD

Have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)? Laugh and sing your way to a stronger pair of lungs.

Written by Sandhya Raghavan | Published : November 15, 2017 3:24 PM IST

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Heartburn

It's the season of COPD exacerbations. With the temperature falling and the pollution levels rising in many parts of the country, many patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorders may experience breathlessness and fatigue. Inflammation and irritation of the airways compounds the problem, making it difficult for the person to draw breath. Although COPD doesn't have a cure, here are some science-backed strategies that will help prevent breathlessness.

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Pursed Lip

Pursed lip breathing: One of the easiest ways to combat shortness of breath is to perform pursed lip breathing. On experiencing breathlessness, the patient has to drawn in breath normally through the nose and exhale through pursed lips. This technique helps improve ventilation, releases trapped air, improves lung function and promotes general relaxation in COPD patients. [1] Also Read - Obesity rising across all age groups in India: Expert reveal 5 healthy habits for sustainable weight loss

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Pranayam

Pranayama: Yoga-derived breathing exercises or pranayama helps improve the resting respiratory rate, ventilation, breath-holding time and maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressures. It has been proved beneficial in treating patients with moderate to severe COPD. Study says that pranayama could be good adjunct to COPD treatment in patients.[2]

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Laugh

Laughing: Here's another good reason to laugh every day. As we all know, laughter therapy can promote general wellness by reducing stress. But in COPD patients, it can also improve elasticity of lungs and the overall mood. [4]

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Sing

Singing: There is some evidence that support singing as a therapeutic exercise to mitigate breathlessness in COPD patients. Since singing requires you to have mastery over techniques to control breathing, it will automatically help patients who experience loss of breath by strengthening their lung functions. [5] Also Read - Knee pain in women: 5 early warning signs you should never ignore