Pursed-lip breathing
Pursed-lip breathing (PLB) is a breathing technique that consists of exhaling through tightly pressed (pursed) lips and inhaling through the nose with the mouth closed.
Uses
Pursed-lip breathing can help to ease shortness of breath in people with a variety of lung problems. It can be used effectively during asthma attacks to slow breathing and reduce the work of breathing.[1]
Breathing through pursed lips on both exhalation and inhalation is one of the signs that health workers use to detect possible chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (
Mechanism of action
Pursed-lip breathing increases positive pressure generated in the conducting branches of the lungs.[4] This can hold open bronchioles in patients with high lung compliance, such as those with emphysema.[4]
Pursed-lip breathing also accesses the parasympathetic nervous system, which reduces stress during episodes of shortness of breath.[5]
References
- ^ "Breathing Techniques". COPD Foundation.
- S2CID 25712231.
- ^ "Anxiety and pursed lip breathing - 404". COPD Canada. Archived from the original on 2017-12-04. Retrieved 2014-05-14.
- ^ ISBN 978-0-323-01840-1, retrieved 2021-01-31
- ^ Fredrickson, Kim (5 September 2018). "Pursed Lip Breathing Helps Reduce Anxiety in Pulmonary Fibrosis Patients". Retrieved 2021-01-31.