Lung Exercises“In with the good air, out with

the bad air”

Samantha Dow, SPT

Improve ventilation and increase efficiency of breathing

Aid in movement and clearance of mucous / sputum from lungs and airways to prevent build and increased risk of infection

Prevent pneumonia and other illnesses related to the lungs

Purpose of Exercises

Constantly (as often as possible) The more you can get the sputum

to move up and out of the lungs, the easier it will be to breath and maintain a clean pulmonary system

How often do I need to perform these breathing exercises?

Controlled Deep Breathing Deep breathe with hold at end of inhale

Breath Stacking Multiple small inhalations (stair step breathing)

Diaphragmatic Breathing Breath from the belly

Segmental Breathing Inhaling focusing on filling a single lung

Double Huff Coughing Inhalation and double forced exhalation

Purse-Lipped Breathing Slow exhale with lips puckered to increase resistance

upon exhale

Breathing Techniques

Active Cycle of Breathing

Normal relaxed breathing In through the nose, out through the mouth

Perform for 20 – 30 seconds

Breathing Control

Slow, deep inhalation followed by a 3 second hold

Repeat 3 – 4 times

If painful, can use these to obtain full deep inhalation: Breath stacking Segmental breathing

Deep Breathing

Inhale through nose Pucker lips Exhale for 3 -4 seconds

through puckered lips

Perform for 20 – 30 seconds

Pursed Lip Breathing

3 – 4 Deep Breaths Breathe in, push belly

out Breath out, pull belly in

Diaphragmatic Breathing

Inhalation followed by two quick forced exhalations through open mouth Act like blowing ping pong ball

out of mouth followed by 3 coughs

Aids in moving secretions along airways

Huffing

Purpose: improve lung functioning

Primary focus: slow, deep inhalation Attempting to raise the

plunger towards the top of the device

Secondary focus: slow exhalation

Incentive Spirometer

Other methods to aid in clearing lungs: Exercising Coughing Deep breathing Singing Yelling Positional changes

Final Notes

1. Reid WD, Chung F. Clinical Management Notes and Case Histories in Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy. Slack Incorporated; 2004.2. Walker, M. Pulmonary Lecture. [PowerPoint]. Norfolk, VA: Old Dominion University – DPT program; 2014.

References