Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease respiratory function training method

1. Pursed lip breathing

Pursed lip breathing means breathing in through your nose, contracting your mouth when exhaling, and then exhaling slowly.

This approach prevents airway obstruction, increases the volume of each breath, and decreases respiratory rate and minute ventilation.

(1) Breathe in through your nose.

(2) When exhaling, purse your lips, gently close your mouth, and exhale slowly and gently.

(3) The ratio of inhalation to exhalation is 1:2 or 1:3, with the goal of achieving a ratio of 1:4.

Count 1 to 2 silently when inhaling, and count 1, 2, 3, 4 silently when exhaling to extend the breathing time and reduce the breathing frequency.

(4) 30 minutes once, 3 times a day.

2. Abdominal breathing method

Abdominal breathing uses the diaphragm as the main respiratory muscle. Its main function is to expand the activity of the diaphragm and reduce the activity of auxiliary respiratory muscles such as the sternocleidomastoid muscle and scalene muscle, thereby increasing the ventilation volume and respiratory efficiency each time, increasing the arterial oxygen partial pressure and reducing the respiratory rate.

In addition to improving respiratory function, it can also reduce mental stress, improve gastrointestinal function, enhance cognitive ability, and lower blood pressure.

(1) The patient can sit or lie on his back on the bed, relax his upper body, take a deep breath, and place one hand on his abdomen and the other hand on his chest.

(2) The time for exhalation and inhalation should be controlled at about 15 seconds.

(3) Take a deep breath for 3 to 5 seconds, hold your breath for 1 second, then exhale slowly for 3 to 5 seconds, hold your breath for 1 second. The ratio of inhalation to exhalation is 1:2 or 1:3.

(4) Breathe in through your nose and exhale through your mouth. Be sure to breathe deeply and do not force yourself. Keep your breathing rate at 7 to 8 times per minute. Do this twice a day for 10 to 15 minutes each time. Once you become proficient in this, you can slowly increase the frequency and time until it becomes a natural way of breathing.

Note: Breathing rhythm should be slow and deep. Do not exhale forcefully or for too long, otherwise it will cause wheezing, breath holding, and bronchial spasm. If you experience breathing difficulties, chest tightness, breath holding, and other discomforts, you should stop practicing immediately. In addition, abdominal breathing and pursed lip breathing can achieve better training results at the same time.

3. Rib stretching method

(1) Stand up straight (those with weak constitutions can lean against a wall) and exhale all the air in your lungs.

(2) Inhale slowly, filling your lungs to their maximum capacity.

(3) If your physical strength allows, hold your breath for 20 seconds after inhaling. When the patient begins counting, place both hands on the hips with the thumbs forward and the little fingers backward.

(4) Relax and exhale slowly (you can extend the exhalation time to twice the inhalation time).

4. Balloon Blowing Training Method

The patient first takes a deep breath and then slowly blows air into the balloon until he can no longer blow.

It should be emphasized that the speed and amount of blowing up the balloon are not important; what is important is to blow out as much gas as possible.

When exercising, you should do it according to your physical condition and don't force yourself too much.

Blowing up a balloon can help expel gas from the lungs, improve the accumulation of lung secretions, and increase the strength of the respiratory muscles.

5. Learn the correct method of coughing and expectoration

Patients with COPD generally have severe coughing symptoms, which can cause damage to lung function.

Correct coughing and expectoration can help patients expel sputum and reduce the chance of lung infection.

Coughing and sputum expectoration training is mainly conducted in a sitting or semi-sitting position.

Do it 3 times a day, 2 to 3 times each time.

Preparation stage: The patient sits or semi-sitting, leans forward, places one hand under the abdomen and the other hand outside the knee to support the body to prevent falling.

Step 1: Take a deep breath and do a few abdominal breaths.

Step 2: Hold your breath for 3 seconds and open your mouth to cough. When you cough, your abdominal muscles will contract. It is recommended that doctors or family members pat the patient's back to help expel phlegm.

6. Do aerobic exercise

Exercises such as walking and Tai Chi can improve respiratory function and enhance immunity.

According to your physical condition, adopt exercise methods such as brisk walking and jogging, and proceed according to the principle of "from weak to strong".

If the condition is more serious, you must control the time and items of exercise.