Breathing Techniques

Breathing techniques can be a simple way to support easier breathing on COPD and Asthma and overall well-being. They may help improve breathing patterns, reduce stress, and promote a greater sense of calm and control. Evidently certain breathing exercises can have positive effects on both physical and emotional health.

The main practical strategy to cope with the difficulties of COPD and Asthma  are Breathing Techniques. COPD and asthma can make everyday activities more challenging when symptoms such as breathlessness, wheezing or changes in breathing occur. Activities such as walking, climbing stairs, exercising or doing household tasks may become more difficult, sometimes leading people to slow down or avoid certain activities.

By helping people control their breathing, they may make it easier to manage breathlessness during activities and continue with everyday tasks. Regular practice can also make these techniques more familiar, so people know how to use them when their breathing becomes more troublesome.

For people with COPD or asthma, breathing techniques can therefore become part of everyday self-management. They may help people feel more prepared when symptoms occur, adapt their activities to their breathing and preserve their sense of independence. 01 Breathing Techniques for COPD and Asthma

Symptoms. Shortness of breath is a common symptom of COPD and asthma. It can feel like not getting enough air, breathing faster than usual or finding it harder to breathe during physical effort. It may also occur together with warning signs such as wheezing, coughing or chest tightness.

Daily Impact. When breathlessness becomes more noticeable, it can affect how people move, exercise and take part in their usual routines. When shortness of breath is more severe, people may have more difficulty with physical functioning and may feel more tired, which can limit participation in everyday activities.

Practical Steps. Learning to recognise when and how breathlessness occurs can help people respond to it more effectively. Slowing and controlling the breath, using a breathing technique they have learned and finding a comfortable position may help them cope when breathing becomes difficult. It can also be useful to adjust the intensity of an exercise and give the body time to recover.

When to ask for Medical Help? If breathlessness is acute, sudden, persistent, worsening or noticeably different from what is usual, medical advice may be needed. 02 Short of Breath

Different breathing techniques can support breathing control in people with COPD or asthma. Some commonly used approaches include:

 

Pursed-lip breathing (PLB) is a simple technique commonly used by people with COPD or asthma. It involves breathing in slowly through the nose and breathing out gently through partially closed lips.

The technique can be practised regularly or used when breathing becomes more difficult. By slowing and controlling exhalation, it may help reduce breathlessness and support a more controlled breathing pattern. 03 Pursel-lip Breath (PLB) Technique

Breathing and emotions are closely connected. Changes in breathing can occur during stress or emotional distress, while controlled breathing may help promote a greater sense of calm. Notably breathing patterns can influence emotional experiences, which may explain why breathing exercises are often used to support relaxation and emotional regulation. For people living with COPD or asthma, having a breathing strategy they can turn to may also provide reassurance when symptoms feel difficult to manage.

Breathlessness and its impact on everyday life can sometimes affect confidence and a sense of control. Some people may experience shame, stigma or guilt because of their condition, making it harder to talk openly about their difficulties. They may worry about how others perceive their breathing difficulties and feel that their condition defines their value as a person or that they are responsible for their illness, contributing to shame and self-blame.

But does a condition define who someone is? Νο, having COPD or asthma does not make someone less worthy of care, understanding or support. A respiratory condition is a health condition, not a measure of a person’s value. Feelings of shame should not define how people see themselves or prevent them from seeking the care and support they need. 04 Every Breath Matters