LANSING, Mich. (WILX) - It’s a condition that literally takes someone’s breath away. An estimated 12.5 million Americans have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
Less air flows in and out of the airways. The tiny air sacs in the lungs are damaged and cannot stretch and shrink. But a team of physicians and scientists have developed a non-invasive device to help patients breathe.
“The main cause of breathlessness in COPD is something called air trapping, or dynamic hyperinflation. What that is, is an inability to exhale all of the air that one takes in,” said Dr. Ralph Panos. “They learned something called pursed lip breathing, which is breathing out through pursed lips to create that back pressure.”
Panos and his colleagues developed a hands-free device that helps patients simulate pursed lip breathing. The device is called the positive expiratory pressure, or PEP Buddy.
“It’s just simply placed in the mouth, one breathes in through the nose, and then out through the device,” Panos said. “That resistance to airflow creates the back pressure, which relieves the air trapping and dynamic hyperinflation.”
The researchers said there are many benefits of slow breathing and exhalation.
Panos and his colleagues developed the PEP Buddy with help from a University of Cincinnati department that provides support for entrepreneurs.
The researchers are in the process of obtaining a Class One Approval from the FDA, which is for medical devices that are considered low-risk for consumer use.
CINCINNATI, Ohio (Ivanhoe Newswire) – About 12.5 million Americans have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD. With COPD, less air flows in and out of the airways. The tiny air sacs in the lungs are damaged, and unable to stretch and shrink. Now, a team of physician-scientists have developed a non-invasive device that can help patients with their breathing.
University of Cincinnati College of Medicine pulmonologist, Ralph Panos, MD explains, “The main cause of breathlessness in COPD is something called air trapping, or dynamic hyperinflation. It’s an inability to exhale all of the air that one takes in.”
Treatments include a rescue inhaler and steroids. Patients are also taught to practice a special method of breathing.
Dr. Panos says, “They learned something called pursed lip breathing, which is breathing out through pursed lips to create that back pressure.”
Dr. Panos and his colleagues developed a hands-free device that helps patients simulate pursed lip breathing. The device is called the positive expiratory pressure, or PEPBuddy.
“It’s just simply placed in the mouth, one breathes in through the nose, and then out through the device. That resistance to airflow creates the back pressure, which relieves the air trapping and dynamic hyperinflation,” Dr. Panos demonstrates.
The researchers say there are many benefits of slow breathing and exhalation. Now, a tiny tool can help.
Dr. Panos and his colleagues developed the PEP Buddy with help from a University of Cincinnati department that provides a launchpad for entrepreneurs. The researchers are in the process of obtaining what’s called class one approval from the FDA, which is for medical devices that are considered low-risk for consumer use. Since the device is considered low-risk, it can be available for purchase before it gets FDA-approval. The PEP Buddy is currently being sold for $25 and is not covered by insurance.
Contributors to this news report include Cyndy McGrath, Producer; Kirk Manson, Videographer; Roque Correa, Editor.
“My elderly father has just been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). I have managed to get him to reduce his smoking from 40+ per day to 10 per day and am hoping to soon get him off them altogether. Is there anything we can do to help him repair any damage from smoking or anything we can do to keep the symptoms of COPD at bay to give him a better quality of life?”
Answer from Dr Abhilash Sahadevan, Consultant in Respiratory Medicine and General Internal Medicine, Beacon Hospital
The diagnosis of COPD will be a shock to your father. Congratulations to both of you for taking the most critical step for his future by tackling the root cause: smoking. Reducing the number of cigarettes smoked shows that your father is keen to stop the progression of his COPD and mitigate its symptoms. The benefits of reducing cigarettes compared to completely stopping smoking are unclear and likely only of minimal benefit.
Family support is crucial, as your father could feel isolated while dealing with his nicotine dependence. Ingrained over a lifetime, reducing smoking will incur withdrawal symptoms (irritability, anxiety and intense cravings).
He must also be encouraged to form new routines and ways to cope with stress. Quitting will immediately benefit his symptoms. Breathing, coughing and wheezing will improve as the lungs start healing immediately. The risk of hospital admissions or COPD exacerbations is significantly reduced with time.
Taking nicotine replacement in combination (e.g. patch and gum/inhaler) has a higher chance of success than in isolation. Hypnotherapy alone or combined with nicotine replacement should be considered to help quit.
Regardless of age, every COPD patient can be empowered to self-manage their symptoms. Get guidance from his medical team on a personalised treatment plan and managing breakthrough symptoms at home and outside. Watch for difficulties with inhaler technique at home. Using the inhaler name, you can easily find simple YouTube videos to reinforce the technique.
Meanwhile, you can invest in medical devices like an accurate pulse oximeter that can reassure and alert the need for further medical help. Air-driven nebulisers can help during exacerbations. Airflow directed at the face from a hand-held fan reduces the perception of breathlessness. The ideal fan has at least 3 blades and an easy-to-use switch.
Ensure he practises diaphragmatic breathing and pursed lip breathing daily. A daily minimum water intake can help mucus expectoration, and frequently check his weight so as to get a reasonable dry weight estimate.
Do not let symptoms lead to reduced physical activity. Help him enrol in community group exercises and pulmonary rehabilitation. Staying active, even with just regular walking, can allow the body to compensate for damaged lungs.
Discuss the need for portable oxygen and low-dose morphine to maintain his independence outside the house, if necessary, with his healthcare team. Most COPD patients can lead fruitful lives with good support and management.
Have a question for the professionals you’d like answered? Get in touch with [email protected] with the subject headline ‘Ask The Doctor’.
The breath of life refers to the act of breathing, which is fundamental to survival and sustained life. From a scientific standpoint, it involves the exchange of gases between the external environment and our internal organs, which takes place through the respiratory system.
Breathing is an involuntary biological process that is essential to the functioning of the body. Normally, it is automatic, and we do not have to consciously think about it. However, many people practice specific breathing exercises or techniques, such as yoga or meditation, to improve their overall health and wellbeing.
In this article, we will explore what the breath of life is, its significance for humans, and the benefits of improving our breathing patterns. We will also address some common questions related to the topic.
What Happens When You Take a Breath?
When we inhale, oxygen-rich air enters our lungs and moves into the bloodstream, providing cells with the energy they need to carry out their functions. At the same time, carbon dioxide, which is a waste product of cellular metabolism, is released from the body through exhalation.
The respiratory system, which consists of the lungs, airways, and muscles, plays a crucial role in this process. As we breathe in, the air is filtered, warmed, and humidified by the nose, throat, and bronchial passages. This ensures that the air entering the lungs is clean and at the right temperature and humidity level.
This exchange of gases is what allows oxygen to reach our cells, fueling our body’s processes, and helping us stay alive.
What Are the Different Types of Breathing?
There are several types of breathing, each of which serves a particular purpose. Here are some examples:
Abdominal breathing: also known as diaphragmatic breathing, this technique involves breathing deeply from the belly, rather than the chest. It can help reduce stress, improve oxygenation, and promote relaxation.
Alternate nostril breathing: a yoga practice that involves breathing in and out through one nostril at a time, while blocking the other with the finger. This technique can help balance the nervous system and promote relaxation.
Box breathing: a technique that involves inhaling for four counts, holding the breath for four counts, exhaling for four counts, and holding for four counts. It can help improve focus, reduce anxiety, and promote relaxation.
Pursed-lip breathing: a technique that involves inhaling through the nose and exhaling through pursed lips, as if blowing out a candle. It can help improve lung function, reduce shortness of breath, and promote relaxation.
What Are the Benefits of Good Breathing?
Good breathing patterns are associated with several health benefits. These include:
Improved respiratory function: practicing deep breathing exercises can help improve lung capacity, oxygenation, and ventilation.
Reduced stress and anxiety: breathing techniques that promote relaxation, such as deep breathing or alternate nostril breathing, can help reduce stress and anxiety levels.
Improved mental clarity and focus: certain breathing techniques, such as box breathing, can help improve focus, attention, and cognitive performance.
Reduced pain and tension: deep breathing exercises can help reduce muscle tension, pain, and soreness.
Improved sleep: relaxation techniques that involve deep breathing can help promote better sleep quality and reduce insomnia.
How Does Breathing Affect the Nervous System?
Breathing is closely linked to the autonomic nervous system, which controls many involuntary functions of the body, such as heart rate, digestion, and respiration.
The autonomic nervous system is divided into two branches: the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the fight-or-flight response, and the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes rest and relaxation.
Slow, deep breathing stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system and triggers the relaxation response, reducing stress and anxiety levels. Conversely, rapid breathing can activate the sympathetic nervous system and trigger the fight-or-flight response, increasing anxiety, and stress levels.
How Can I Improve My Breathing?
There are several ways to improve your breathing patterns and promote better respiratory function. Here are some tips:
Practice deep breathing: focus on breathing slowly and deeply from the belly, rather than shallowly from the chest. You can start by inhaling for four counts and exhaling for four counts, and gradually increase the length of your inhale and exhale as you feel more comfortable.
Engage in physical activity: regular exercise can help improve lung capacity and function, and promote better breathing patterns overall.
Avoid triggers of respiratory problems: if you have respiratory problems, such as asthma or allergies, avoid triggers that can exacerbate your symptoms, such as tobacco smoke, pollution, or allergens.
Practice relaxation techniques: techniques that promote relaxation, such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or mindfulness meditation, can help reduce stress and anxiety levels and improve overall respiratory function.
How Can Breathing Help With Pain Management?
Deep breathing exercises can help reduce pain and tension in the body by promoting relaxation and reducing muscle stiffness.
By directing your attention to your breath, you can also distract yourself from pain sensations and improve your ability to cope with discomfort.
Additionally, practicing deep breathing exercises can help stimulate the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers produced by the body.
Can Breathing Help With Sleep Problems?
Deep breathing exercises can help promote relaxation and reduce anxiety levels, which can, in turn, improve sleep quality and reduce insomnia.
By focusing on your breath, you can also quiet your mind and soothe racing thoughts, which can be a common problem for people with sleep disorders.
Lastly, practicing regular deep breathing exercises can help regulate your circadian rhythms, which are responsible for regulating your sleep-wake cycle.
Can Breathing Help With Digestive Problems?
Breathing exercises can help improve digestion by promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels.
Stress can interfere with the digestive process by causing the muscles in the digestive tract to contract, leading to bloating, gas, and other digestive problems.
By practicing deep breathing exercises, you can reduce stress levels, promote relaxation, and help the muscles in your digestive tract relax and function properly.
Can Breathing Help With Heart Health?
Healthy breathing patterns are associated with several heart health benefits, including:
Reduced heart rate: slow and deep breathing can help reduce heart rate and promote relaxation.
Lower blood pressure: breathing techniques that promote relaxation can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Better oxygenation: practicing deep breathing exercises can help improve oxygenation, which can reduce the risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular problems.
What Are Some Common Breathing Disorders?
Breathing disorders can be caused by a variety of factors, including lung disease, allergies, and asthma.
Some common breathing disorders include:
Asthma: a chronic respiratory disease characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to difficulty breathing.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): a group of lung diseases, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, that make it difficult to breathe.
Interstitial lung disease: a group of lung diseases that involve scarring and inflammation of the lung tissue, leading to difficulty breathing.
Sleep apnea: a sleep disorder characterized by episodes of interrupted breathing during sleep, leading to poor sleep quality and other health problems.
Can Breathing Techniques Help With Breathing Disorders?
Breathing techniques, such as deep breathing or pursed-lip breathing, can help improve respiratory function and reduce symptoms associated with breathing disorders.
Additionally, physical exercise can also help improve lung function and reduce the risk of complications associated with breathing disorders.
However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any breathing exercises, as some techniques may not be suitable for people with certain respiratory conditions.
What Are the Key Takeaways?
The breath of life is essential to our survival and sustained life. Breathing involves the exchange of gases between the external environment and our internal organs, which takes place through the respiratory system.
Good breathing patterns are associated with several health benefits, including improved respiratory function, reduced stress and anxiety, and improved mental clarity and focus.
There are several ways to improve your breathing patterns, including practicing deep breathing, engaging in physical activity, avoiding respiratory triggers, and practicing relaxation techniques.
Breathing exercises can also help reduce symptoms associated with breathing disorders and promote better respiratory function overall.
If you are experiencing breathing problems or have a respiratory condition, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any breathing exercises.
Anyone living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has to find ways to manage and ease flares, but genetic COPD — alpha-1 antitrypsin (alpha-1) deficiency — comes with a few more roadblocks.
Genetic COPD begins with a deficiency of the alpha-1 protein, which is released by the liver, enters the blood, and is then transported to the lungs. In people with the deficiency, low levels of the protein leaves the lungs susceptible to being damaged by smoke and other environmental pollutants, which can lead to the development of COPD.
Diagnosing Genetic COPD
Genetic COPD is rare in terms of overall numbers, but it’s one of the most common genetic conditions in the United States — and the numbers may not tell the whole story. “Immediate family members may have a deficiency of a certain protein that’s been passed on,” says Luis Javier Peña-Hernández, MD, a pulmonary health and sleep disorders specialist in Palm Beach County, Florida.
Although some people get tested for the deficiency if a family member has COPD, many don’t. “A lot of clinicians (and patients) may associate symptoms with lifestyle choices — like, for example, smoking for lung problems or consuming alcohol for liver disease,” says Mike Hess, MPH, a member of the American Association for Respiratory Care, respiratory therapist and pulmonary function technologist.
Hess adds that only one in 10 people are properly diagnosed, and the average delay between symptom onset and diagnosis is about eight years. Symptoms include shortness of breath, low tolerance for exercise, recurring chest colds or pneumonia, wheezing, year-round allergies, and chronic cough, according to the Alpha-1 Foundation.
Talk with your pediatrician about testing your children if anyone in your family has genetic COPD. If you’re older and suspect you have it, ask your doctor about a screening for yourself.
What to Do After Finding Out You Have Genetic COPD
Of course, learning you have the genetic variation of COPD raises numerous questions, including whether you should change anything about how you manage your COPD.
Before we get into the differences between COPD and genetic COPD, it’s important to make sure you are incorporating good general management tactics into your daily routine. If you have yet to make strides in managing your COPD, these three lifestyle habits are a good place to start.
Get regular exercise. “Exercise, namely aerobic, will help you recruit and use areas of your lungs that are often underutilized,” Dr. Peña-Hernández says. Because chronic lung conditions make working out trickier than usual, work with a pulmonary rehabilitation expert, who can help create a custom exercise plan for you.
Manage stress. Not letting stress get the best of you is especially important when dealing with the challenges of a chronic condition. How do you get stress relief? Hess suggests talking with a counselor, finding a support group, staying active, taking up a hobby, and engaging with friends and family.
Do breathing exercises. Regular breath work can help ease stress and perhaps even aid anxiety, depression, or insomnia caused by your COPD. Try, for instance, pursed-lip breathing, where you take a deep breath in through your mouth or nose, purse your lips together like you’re about to whistle, and slowly exhale, Hess says. Or try low-impact aerobic activity that incorporates breath work, such as yoga or meditation.
There are some additional measures you’ll need to take if you have genetic COPD. Try these three:
Steer clear of smoke. Because smoking speeds up lung damage, it’s important for anybody with COPD to do this, but it’s even more crucial if you have the alpha-1 deficiency. “Particles and fumes in cigarette smoke, not to mention the heat you inhale while actively smoking, cause structural changes in many of the cells in the airways, so they can make relatively mild cases of [genetic COPD] worse or cause additional symptoms,” Hess says. It’s also important to avoid vaping.
Consider augmentation therapy, if you qualify. Replacing alpha-1 with a supplemental enzyme is the only way to prevent the progression of genetic COPD, Peña-Hernández says. That’s what augmentation therapy does, and it’s delivered via a weekly infusion of supplemental alpha-1, often done at home. To be considered for this therapy, you must be a nonsmoker, have an enzyme level below a certain threshold, and demonstrate progressively diminishing lung function, he adds. This therapy only applies to genetic COPD and won’t help someone whose condition is caused strictly by environmental factors.
Watch your diet. Regardless of what type of COPD you have, you should follow a balanced diet and try to maintain a healthy weight, Peña-Hernández says. While there aren’t specific dietary requirements for people with genetic COPD, anyone going through augmentation therapy could experience fluid retention. To counter this, eat a low-sodium diet and maintain healthy blood pressure levels, he adds.
Progress is often painfully slow when managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and recovering from exacerbations, but improvement is possible. Please allow me to relate an example from my personal experience.
Since I was released from the hospital on Aug. 16, 2022, following an exacerbation of my disease, I have religiously complied with my discharge plan, which includes exercising, practicing breathing techniques, eating well, getting enough sleep, taking my medications, and maintaining a positive mental attitude.
I followed these practices in hopes that I could reduce my supplemental oxygen needs, allowing me to have some non-concentrator time. I didn’t want to be permanently tethered to a concentrator.
As of this writing, I’m on my fourth day of breathing room air except for when I’m sleeping or partaking in vigorous activity. I believe that three things explain my improvement: The above practices are working. My body is finally healing. God chose now to work a miracle for me.
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The journey
On Aug. 7, I woke and couldn’t breathe. My oxygen level was in the low 80s, and it wouldn’t come up, even with my stationary concentrator turned up to 6 liters per minute (lpm). I got my portable concentrator, turned it up as far as it could go, put both cannulas in my nose, and lay down. My oxygen level reached the high 80s, but according to the Cleveland Clinic, a person should go to the emergency room if their blood oxygen level is at 88% or lower.
I called an ambulance and was transported to the hospital, where I was admitted. My doctors started me on Vapotherm high velocity therapy at 9 lpm of oxygen during the day. The BiPAP machine, also set to 9 lpm, was my friend at night.
During my admission, I had to be weaned down from the high-flow oxygen so that I could safely return home, where my concentrator provided a maximum of 6 lpm.
When I transitioned home, I was prescribed home healthcare, which consisted of a visiting nurse and a physical therapist. I couldn’t walk down my 9-foot hallway without having to stop and let my oxygen level recover.
After evaluating me, the physical therapist told me to practice walking halfway down the hall, stopping to recover, and then walking back. She advised me to walk every two hours. My usual practice would involve twice as much activity, but I was fragile, so I complied with her instructions.
Once I was able to walk the hallway without stopping, we started some seated strength training with bands. From there, we transitioned to sit-to-stand exercises, and then to standing and moving exercises with resistance.
The next step in my recovery was pulmonary rehabilitation, which I did virtually. The pandemic had closed our local rehab center and it hadn’t yet reopened. I was fortunate to be asked to evaluate three virtual rehabilitation programs.
I maintained the general exercise routine recommended by my pulmonary rehab program, but I made some small changes so that I’d be exercising different accessory muscles. In addition, I combined my pursed lip and diaphragmatic breathing practices into a single exercise, and began practicing the harmonica more consistently.
I was starting to notice the benefits when my oxygen hose detached from the concentrator one morning last week. I fed my animals before realizing what had happened, and then quickly reattached the hose. But when I measured my oxygen level, it was at 92%. I had expected a reading in the low 80s.
At first, I thought I was mistaken. I decided to remove the cannula from my nose and see if my oxygen fell below 88%. My oxygen kept climbing — all the way to 98%. I was so happy that I did a little seated dance with a few praises of the Lord thrown in. I waited a day before posting my good fortune to COPD360social, the COPD Foundation’s online community, because I was afraid it was a fluke.
If you’re living with COPD, keep on following your care plan and trust that it’s working. You may not achieve the same results that I have, but the practices are still doing good things for your body. By continuing healthy habits, we can enjoy the benefits of healthy living.
Note: COPD News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of COPD News Today or its parent company, BioNews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
How to Increase Your Oxygen Level: Tips and Methods
Oxygen is essential for our survival, and every cell in our body requires a steady supply of it to produce energy. The normal blood oxygen saturation level remains within 95%-100%, and anything below this range is considered low. Low oxygen levels can be caused by factors like lung disease, heart disease, high altitude, and COVID-19. Monitoring your oxygen levels is essential for identifying any health issues and treating them accordingly. In this article, we will discuss how to increase your oxygen level and the benefits of using the best pulse oximeter.
Measuring Oxygen Level in Your Blood
The easiest way to measure your oxygen level is by using a pulse oximeter. This non-invasive and painless method involves shining a light through your finger and detecting the blood oxygen level based on the color of the light transmitted through your finger. A pulse oximeter is portable, easy to use, and provides quick and accurate results. It can help you detect low oxygen levels early, monitor your oxygen levels during physical activity, assess the effectiveness of oxygen therapy, and be used at home or in a medical setting.
Normal Level of Oxygen in Blood
The normal oxygen level in healthy lungs falls between 80 and 100 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). However, people with chronic lung disease or sleep apnea can have normal levels around 90%. People with COPD may have an average lower percentage (88-92%). A person with a lower oxygen level than a healthy person’s average level might have hypoxemia in the blood, which refers to difficulty delivering sufficient oxygen to body cells, tissues, and organs. Symptoms of low oxygen levels include breathing difficulties, rapid heartbeat, chest pain, coughing, dizziness, high blood pressure, visual difficulties, restlessness, sense of euphoria, and headaches.
How to Increase Your Oxygen Level
Breathing Exercises
Breathing exercises are an effective way to increase your oxygen level. Diaphragmatic breathing involves breathing deeply and slowly from the diaphragm, and pursed lip breathing involves exhaling through pursed lips slowly and deliberately. Box breathing is another method that involves inhaling air slowly and deeply, holding your breath, exhaling slowly and completely, and holding your breath again before inhaling again. Regular practice of these exercises can help you increase the length of each breath and improve oxygen circulation.
Physical Activity and Exercise
Cardiovascular exercise and resistance training are two types of physical activity that can help increase your oxygen level. Cardiovascular exercise increases heart and breathing rates for an extended period and includes activities like brisk walking, running, swimming, cycling, dancing, and rowing. Resistance training helps to increase muscle mass, increasing the body’s demand for oxygen, and includes exercises like squats, deadlifts, bench press, pull-ups, lunges, push-ups, rows, and planks.
Oxygen Supplementation
Nasal cannulas and oxygen masks are two standard methods of oxygen supplementation. A nasal cannula consists of two small prongs inserted into the nostrils and attached to a tube that delivers oxygen. An oxygen mask covers the nose and mouth and delivers oxygen to the body through a tube connected to an oxygen source. Both methods require adjusting the oxygen flow rate according to your needs.
Other Methods to Increase Oxygen Level
Other lifestyle changes that can help increase your oxygen level include quitting smoking, reducing exposure to air pollution, maintaining a healthy weight, growing plants, and drinking lots of fluids.
Conclusion
Increasing your oxygen level is essential for maintaining good health. Breathing exercises, physical activity and exercise, oxygen supplementation, and other lifestyle changes can help improve your oxygen level. Using a pulse oximeter is an easy way to monitor your oxygen levels and detect low levels early. Try to follow these methods for better health and increased oxygen levels.
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — About 12.5 million Americans have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD. With COPD, the air sacs in the lungs are damaged, obstructing their ability to stretch and shrink to allow airflow.
A team of physicians from the University of Cincinnati School of Medicine have developed a non-invasive device to help those with COPD breathe easier that simulates pursed lip breathing, which helps create air pressure in the lungs.
While current treatments include a rescue inhaler, steroids, and even patients learning pursed lip breathing, Dr. Ralph Panos and his researchers have developed a device called the positive expiratory pressure, or PEP Buddy.
“It’s just simply placed in the mouth, one breath in through the nose, and then out through the device. That resistance to airflow creates the back pressure, which relieves the air trapping and dynamic hyperinflation,” Panos said, demonstrating the PEP Buddy’s purpose.
Current research says there are many benefits of slow breathing and exhalation. Now, the PEP Buddy is here to help.
Researchers are in the process of having the PEP Buddy approved by the Federal Drug Administration. Once approved, it will be available for consumer purchase.
2.5 million, or 1 in 8 Americans, have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a disease that makes breathing difficult.
A team of physician-scientists has developed a non-invasive device that helps patients with their breathing without medication.
With COPD, less air flows in and out of the airways. The tiny air sacs in the lungs are damaged and cannot stretch and shrink.
“The main cause of breathlessness in COPD is something called air trapping, or dynamic hyperinflation,” said Dr. Panos, Pulmonologist at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. “What that is, is an inability to exhale all of the air that one takes in.”
Treatments include a rescue inhaler and steroids. Patients also learn a special breathing technique called pursed lip breathing.
“They learned something called pursed lip breathing, which is breathing out through pursed lips to create that back pressure,” Dr. Panos said.
Dr. Panos and his colleagues developed a hands-free device called the Positive Expiratory Pressure, or Pep Buddy, which helps patients simulate pursed lip breathing.
“It’s just simply placed in the mouth, one breathes in through the nose, and then out through the device,” Dr. Panos said. “That resistance to airflow creates the back pressure, which relieves the air trapping and dynamic hyperinflation.”
The researchers say there are many benefits of slow breathing and exhalation.
Dr. Panos and his colleagues developed the Pep Buddy with help from a University of Cincinnati department that provides a launchpad for entrepreneurs.
The researchers are in the process of obtaining a class one approval from the FDA, which is for medical devices that are considered low risk for consumer use.
Since the device is considered low risk, it can be available for purchase before it gets FDA approval.
The pep buddy is currently being sold for $25 and is not covered by insurance.
Breathing exercises are a relaxation technique that may help during a vertigo attack. Vertigo is a sensation that makes you feel like the room around you is spinning. It can occur due to several causes.
This article will discuss three types of breathing exercises for vertigo and other types of exercises used for the condition.
MStudioImages / Getty Images
Breathing Exercises for Vertigo
There are several causes of vertigo, including ear infections, migraine, anxiety, or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Vertigo can also occur with other health conditions, or it may be a side effect of certain medications.
Depending on the underlying cause, vertigo often occurs with other uncomfortable symptoms, such as dizziness, loss of balance, or nausea. Relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises may help during a vertigo attack.
Attacks of vertigo in BPPV last less than a minute to a few minutes for many people. In other disorders and for some people, an attack might last longer.
Diaphragmatic Breathing
Controlled breathing techniques, such as diaphragmatic breathing, help reduce the stress response in your body that can be caused by vertigo.
How to do it:
Sit or lie flat on the floor in a comfortable position.
Place one hand on your chest and the other on your lower abdomen.
Breathe in slowly through your nose. Fill your belly with air, breathing in as deeply as you can. The hand resting on your belly should rise as you inhale.
Slowly exhale through your mouth.
Repeat for several breaths or until your symptoms decrease.
Pursed-Lip Breathing
Pursed-lip breathing opens up the airways by prolonging the time it takes to exhale. This technique also increases the amount of gas exchange—oxygen coming in and carbon dioxide moving out—to make breathing more effective.
How to do it:
Breathe in through your nose.
Pucker your lips (like you're going to kiss or blow out candles).
Slowly breathe out through your puckered lips.
Repeat for several breaths.
Alternate Nostril Breathing
Alternate nostril breathing is a technique that is often done in yoga (called Nadi Shodhan pranayama). This type of breathing has a calming effect on the nervous system and has been shown to decrease blood pressure.
How to do it:
Sit up straight but in a comfortable position.
Using one hand, position your thumb over your right nostril and ring finger over the left nostril.
Close the right nostril.
Breathe in deeply through your left nostril.
Close the left nostril and open the right nostril.
Breathe out through your right nostril.
Breathe in deeply through your right nostril.
Close the right nostril and open the left nostril.
Breathe out through your left nostril.
Repeat up to 10 times in a row.
Other Exercises for Vertigo
Vertigo caused by benign paroxysmal positional vertigo occurs when small crystals in your inner ear move out of place. Special maneuvers can be performed to move the crystals back into place or help your brain get used to the sensations that vertigo produces.
The exercises used will be different depending on where in the ear the crystals have become dislodged, such as the posterior canal or the lateral canal.
Use Caution With These Exercises
Before you attempt exercises for BPPV, see a healthcare provider to determine that BPPV and not something else is the cause of your vertigo and to determine which ear canal is affected. Maneuvers for posterior canal BPPV may delay healing if you have lateral canal BPPV.
It's also a good idea to have your healthcare provider show you how to do these exercises before attempting them on your own. Performing them incorrectly can make your symptoms worse.
Epley Maneuver
Follow these instructions if your right ear is affected (reverse them for the left ear):
Sit up straight on the edge of your bed.
Turn your head to the right, approximately 45 degrees.
Keeping your head in this position, lie down quickly onto your back.
Stay in this position for 30 seconds.
Turn your head to the left 90 degrees until it is positioned at a 45-degree angle.
Hold this position for 30 seconds.
Roll onto your left side, then sit up.
The Epley maneuver can stop vertigo symptoms quickly for many people. Others may continue to have minor symptoms or need to repeat it.
Quickly lie down on your right side while turning your head 45 degrees to the left.
Hold this position for 30 seconds (or longer, until your symptoms go away).
Sit up quickly and remain seated for 30 seconds (or until your symptoms go away).
Quickly lie down on your left side while turning your head 45 degrees to the right.
Hold this position for 30 seconds.
Sit up quickly and remain seated for 30 seconds.
Repeat five times in each direction.
Dizziness During BPPV Exercises
It's normal to experience dizziness or even nausea during BPPV exercises, particularly when you first begin and when you are quickly changing positions. Take your time and focus on your breathing to help your symptoms subside. Be patient—your symptoms will improve quicker the more you practice these exercises.
Semont Maneuver
Here's how the Semont maneuver is performed if your right side is affected:
Sit up straight on the edge of the bed.
Turn your head 45 degrees to the left.
Keeping your head in this position, lie down on your right side.
Stay on your side until your symptoms subside.
Quickly sit up, then lie down on your left side, keeping your head turned 45 degrees to the left.
Remain on your side until your symptoms subside, then sit up.
Stay upright for several hours after you've done the Semont maneuver to help the repositioned crystals in your inner ear stay in the correct spot.
Foster Maneuver
The Foster maneuver—sometimes called the half somersault maneuver—is performed following these steps if the right ear is affected (reverse for the left). Remain in each position until symptoms subside.
Begin in a kneeling position with your hands on the floor.
Quickly tip your head back, looking up toward the ceiling.
Bring your chin to your chest as if you are beginning to do a somersault, resting the top of your head gently on the floor.
Slowly turn your head to the right until you are facing your right elbow.
Keeping your head in the turned position, quickly lift it up to shoulder level.
Sit up slowly.
Summary
Vertigo causes a sensation that feels like the room is spinning. This can occur with conditions that affect the inner ear, or as a side effect of medication. It can also occur with health conditions such as anxiety or migraines. Breathing exercises can help ease symptoms caused by vertigo. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)—a common cause of spinning sensations—is also treated with special maneuvers that address the underlying cause of your symptoms.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Aubrey Bailey is a physical therapist and professor of anatomy and physiology with over a decade of experience providing in-person and online education for medical personnel and the general public, specializing in the areas of orthopedic injury, neurologic diseases, developmental disorders, and healthy living.
In an interview with HCPLive, Kevin Nauer, RN, and Becky Jordan, MD, discussed the benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation, and more specifically, the harmonica therapy offered at Allegheny Health Network's (AHN) West Penn Hospital.
Nauer and Jordan shared their roles in the pulmonary rehabilitation program and explained the challenges and successes that come with it.
Kevin Nauer, RN: I'm a nurse and an exercise physiologist, and the manager of pulmonary rehab for Allegheny Health Network. I’m also the COPD coordinator and I work with lung transplant patients.
We have always been looking for different ways to encourage pulmonary rehab for our pulmonary patients–primarily patients with COPD. This is a large group of patients in the area we serve throughout Western Pennsylvania.
COPD is probably still the 3rd leading cause of death in the US, barring COVID-19 in the last few years. We serve a large population, and I think many of our patients truly benefit from interventions that are outside of the norm of inhaled medications and procedures.
We have 5 pulmonary rehab facilities in 5 of our hospitals, and many of our providers, especially pulmonary providers, refer a lot of patients to that program. Becky can also elaborate on challenges like COVID-19 and barriers like transportation, copay costs, and patients with other comorbidities. Many patients do not engage in pulmonary rehab for those reasons. They can't get there, they can't afford copays, or they have problems at home that prevent them from leaving their home, etc.
This prompted us to always look for new ways we could get the program to them.
Kevin Nauer, RN
Credit: Allegheny Health Network
Virtual pulmonary rehab has been something that many different organizations and healthcare systems have been trying to establish, but it has its challenges. One of the main challenges is reimbursement. Currently, virtual pulmonary rehab is not a reimbursable service, so it's difficult to get patients approved.
We work with an organization called the COPD Foundation. It is a nonprofit organization that helps patients with COPD, raises money, conducts research, etc. They developed the Harmonica Custom Health Program in 2016.
Through them, we were able to create a pilot process or a program where we could obtain that program and materials, including harmonicas, for 15 of our patients, which is currently who we're working with now.
Becky Jordan, MD: I'm a respiratory therapist at West Penn Hospital. I've been at the hospital for 20 years, focusing solely on pulmonary rehab for the past 7 years. It's something I fell into, but it fits my forte and I really enjoy it.
The pulmonary rehab program includes exercise on a treadmill, recumbent bikes, arm odometers (like a bicycle for your arms), free weight exercises, stairs, and a rowing machine. The harmonica program is an added feature of the pulmonary rehab program.
After exercising in the gym, patients come to a separate room to participate in a harmonica session with a small group (usually 3 people) where we laugh and play harmonicas for about 20 minutes.
Playing the harmonica has a therapeutic effect because of the pursed lip breathing technique it requires.
Becky Jordan, MD
Credit: UPMC
The patients love it. It gives a fun aspect to rehab, something they're proud of. They smile ear to ear when they know it's harmonica day. They pull their harmonica out of their pocket or purse and get very excited about it.
When you play the harmonica, what you're doing is blowing into each one of the ten holes on the top of the harmonica. We teach our COPD patients–and all of our patients with any type of breathing condition–a breathing technique called "pursed lip breathing."
With pursed lip breathing, you breathe in through your nose and exhale out through pursed lips, as if you're blowing out birthday candles. When you're playing the harmonica, that mimics pursed lip breathing completely. I never thought about it that way until we started the program.
Pursed lip breathing gives COPD patients a longer exhalation, allowing them to exhale out bad air for a little bit longer before taking the next deep breath in. It also prevents alveoli, which are sacs in the lungs, from collapsing completely. With COPD patients, it's harder for them to inflate their lungs.
Pursed lip breathing allows for a long, slow exhalation so those sacs don't fully close, making it easier for them to get oxygen and air into their lungs.
Breathing comes naturally to a lot of people, but many of us could be breathing more effectively. When breathing properly, you should feel relaxed and have steady, controlled breaths. Those of us with lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, have difficulties with productive breathing. But factors like stress and anxiety, a change of weather, or even lack of exercise can affect anyone’s ability to breathe properly.
When we experience shortness of breath, anxiety can make it even harder to breathe. Take a few minutes out of your day and find a comfortable place to practice breathing. The more you practice, the easier it will be. These are a few exercises to guide you.
Deep Breathing
This is a good daily practice or for any time you feel tense.
Lie comfortably on your back, sit in a chair with your head and shoulders supported, or stand with your elbows positioned slightly back. This will allow your belly to expand more fully.
Take a deep breath through your nose and let your belly fill with air.
This technique helps during difficult parts of physical activity or at the onset of shortness of breath.
It helps to control the rhythm of your breathing.
Breathe in through your nose normally for 2 seconds.
Purse (or pucker) your lips as if to whistle or blow out a candle.
Breathe out for 4 or more seconds (twice as long as you inhaled).
Repeat several times.
Diaphragmatic Breathing
Also called belly breathing, diaphragmatic breathing happens in the diaphragm, which is the main muscle used for breathing. The diaphragm is a large muscle that sits below the lungs and helps the lungs expand and contract.
With COPD, air can be trapped and pushed on the lungs, thus causing those with COPD to use more neck, chest, and back muscles to breathe.
This breathing technique offers several benefits to your body including reducing your blood pressure, slowing your heart rate and improving relaxation.
Lie on a flat surface with your head supported and knees bent.
Place one hand just below your ribcage and the other on your upper chest over your breastbone.
Breathe in through your nose slowly and deeply. You should feel your stomach move out against your hand. The hand on your chest should remain as still as possible.
Tighten your abdominal muscles and breathe out slowly through pursed lips.
Repeat as needed.
Controlled Coughing
Coughing is your body’s way of trying to get rid of mucus. But constant, uncontrollable coughing actually
He was intrigued by dolphins’ unique method for conserving their oxygen; whenever they dove for extended periods, they’d manage to slow down their heart rates and cling to a consistent core temperature. Pelizzari was keen to replicate these clever physiological adaptations in his own freediving.
If dives of nearly 500 feet underwater are any indication, he figured it out. Pelizzari was also a pioneer in static apnea training, a discipline in which a freediver holds their breath for as long as possible without any movement. Intense fare, but he approached it with an uncommon zen. Pelizzari once said: “The scuba diver dives to look around. The freediver dives to look inside.”
Pelizzari aimed for preparedness and efficiency in his dangerous dives. But he prizedrelaxation. Like his dolphin peers, he understood that challenges had to be met with calm, confidence and control.
At their core, Pelizzari and the many freedivers who’ve come along since him in the last three decades are masters in breath. Little wonder that they perform yoga and meditate. They’ll do whatever it takes to improve their breath control — and by extension, their capacity to survive in a dangerous environment like the ocean’s twilight zone.
By now, you’ve probably heard of breathing hacks for every anxiety or malady under the sun. Try this string of inhales to beat insomnia, put that finger on that nostril to cure depression, etc. They all blur together, which makes them easy to discount, or forget about, or never make time for.
But the truth is, breathwork works. It’s really good for you, and it really does have a wide variety of use cases. Breathing exercises can make it easier to fall asleep, or stick with running, or keep your calm in traffic. None of those situations, on their own, are as fraught as diving into the deep sea. But tallied over the course of a life, they can all take their toll.
Below, a definitive guide to cut through all the scattershot coverage on breathwork. We’ve assembled 10 exercises, and we’ve sampled them all. From pursed-lip breathing to breath of fire, each one is capable of working wonders if you’ll let them. Consider this breathwork toolkit, to be used accordingly as you visualize your next move, channeling calm, confidence and control all the while.
Box Breathing
What it is: A pretty famous technique, which is also known as square or four-sided breathing, box breathing is intended to reduce stress and anxiety.
When to use it: Whenever you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious. Inhale for a count of four, hold your breath for four counts, exhale for four counts, and hold again for four counts. Repeat this cycle for several minutes to calm down your nervous system.
Diaphragmatic Breathing
What it is: This is the big one. Also known as belly breathing, this technique engages the diaphragm, the primary muscle responsible for efficient breathing. This technique not only improves oxygen intake but also activates the core muscles, encouraging all-around fitness.
When to use it: Ideally, you’ll want to practice diaphragmatic breathing daily to enhance lung function and core stability. Sit or lie down comfortably and place one hand on your chest and the other on your abdomen. Inhale slowly through your nose, allowing your belly to rise while keeping your chest still. Exhale slowly through your mouth, and feel your belly lower.
Alternate Nostril Breathing
What it is: A yogic breathing technique that’s said to balance the body’s energy and calm the mind.
When to use it: You don’t need to save this one for a yoga class. Whenever you need a bit of mental focus, close your right nostril with your right thumb and inhale through your left nostril. Close your left nostril with your right ring finger, release your thumb, and exhale through your right nostril. Inhale through the right nostril, close it, and exhale through the left nostril. Continue this pattern for several minutes.
Pursed-Lip Breathing
What it is: This technique can improve lung function and exercise endurance by increasing the oxygen exchange in your lungs.
When to use it: Incorporate pursed-lip breathing into activities like jogging, swimming, or cycling. Inhale slowly through your nose, then exhale through pursed lips, as if you’re blowing out a candle. (Keeping the exhale “controlled” helps maintain airway pressure.)
4-7-8 Breathing
What it is: Another technique that’s trumpeted on social media all the time, meant to quiet the mind, relax the body and make it easier to fall asleep.
When to use it: Prioritize 4-7-8 breathing for when you’re struggling with insomnia. Inhale for a count of four, hold your breath for a count of seven, and then exhale for a count of eight. Repeat this cycle three more times, and you might find yourself drifting off to dreamland.
Breath of Fire
What it is: A rapid, rhythmic breathing technique, popular in Kundalini yoga, which many practice to invigorate the body and mind.
When to use it: Practice breath of fire for up to three minutes (see how a minute feels to start) whenever you need an energy boost. With your mouth closed, take short, quick breaths in and out through your nose, focusing specifically on the exhale.
Lion’s Breath
What it is: A technique on the more playful side (maybe try this one with kids), designed to relieve facial tension, improve circulation and lighten your mood.
When to use it: Whenever you’re feeling stressed or tense, inhale deeply through your nose, then exhale forcefully through your mouth while extending your tongue and making a “HA” sound.
Sitali Breath
What it is: A cooling technique that can help lower your body temperature.
When to use it: Practice this one after an intense workout or on a hot day to cool down. Stick your tongue out and curl the sides to form a tube. (It’s easier than it sounds). Inhale through the tube, drawing in cool air, then close your mouth and exhale through your nose. Repeat this process for several minutes to experience a refreshing effect.
Resonant Breathing
What it is: Also known as coherent breathing, the technique helps synchronize your heart rate and respiration in the name of relaxation.
When to use it: Practice resonant breathing whenever you need to unwind or relax. Inhale slowly for a count of five, then exhale slowly for a count of five. Maintaining this five-second, inhale-exhale pattern creates a breathing rate of six breaths per minute, which is believed to optimize cardiovascular function and promote relaxation.
Breath Retention
What it is: Also known as kumbhaka, it’s a technique used in yoga and meditation practices to increase focus, mental clarity and self-awareness.
When to use it: Practice breath retention whenever you want to improve your concentration and ability to stay present. Inhale deeply and hold your breath for a comfortable length of time, then exhale slowly and completely. Pause for a moment before your next inhale, and repeat the cycle.
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A program at Allegheny Health Network is working to help patients breathe easier through music: patients spend 10-12 weeks learning to play the harmonica because playing it can help increase lung capacity.
In its early stages, the Harmonicas for Health program is proving to be beneficial, said Kevin Nauer, manager of pulmonary rehabilitation for Allegheny Health Network.
Harmonicas for Health was created by a respiratory therapist working with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. The COPD Foundation owns the program and sells and trains other health care institutions on it. Allegheny Health Network secured grant money to purchase the program and use it for COPD patients enrolled in pulmonary rehabilitation.
“When you can’t breathe, it can be stressful,” said Becky Jordan, a respiratory therapist with Allegheny Health Network who was recently working with patients at West Penn Hospital in Bloomfield. “The more you try to catch your breath, the more stressful it can become.”
Shortness of breath is one of the most common reasons people go to a hospital. In the U.S., up to 4 million emergency room visits each year involve not being able to breathe properly, according to WebMD, an online medical information source.
Trying to eliminate or lessen the stress of not being able to breathe is the goal of the therapy, which teaches patients to use harmonicas to mimic pursed lip breathing. Pursed lip breathing is a technique where patients are taught controlled breathing through inhalation through their nose and slow exhalation through pursed lips.
Patients relax their neck and shoulders, and then breathe in through their nose, slowly counting to three. They pucker their lips as if they were going to whistle. Keeping that shape, they breathe out gently through their mouth, counting to five. It’s important to breathe out for longer than they breathe in and never hold their breath in between.
It is essentially exercise for the lungs.
The program began in March. Two members of the second group of patients, Sheila Muller and Itellia Dean, were in an afternoon session on April 4.
The sessions are twice a week. It was their fifth week practicing on a harmonica, which has been incorporated into their rehabilitation schedule that includes walking on a treadmill and other exercises.
“This therapy is working,” Jordan said. “When they first started, they would cough a lot. Now they can play a song and not cough at all. The more they practice, they better they get.”
Muller and Dean have been learning tunes such as “Jingle Bells,” “Happy Birthday,” “Row, Row, Row Your Boat,” “When the Saints Go Marching In,” “Camptown Races” and “Taps.”
Each week, the songs become more challenging as a way to extend their ability to take deeper breaths over time.
The plan is for the program to expand across Allegheny Health Network’s pulmonary rehabilitation sites and create a virtual program for patients, Nauer said.
There are various reasons for people to experience shortness of breath: when they exercise hard, have a cold, or are feeling stressed out. Medical conditions such as asthma, allergies, heart disease, long-term covid-19 and COPD can also affect a person’s ability to breathe.
Breathing exercises can help strengthen the diaphragm and other muscles patients need to force air in and out. Exercises may help them relax and slow their breathing rate.
The harmonicas also provide a social activity.
Playing music is fun, said Muller, who added it’s getting easier each week.
“And it’s more enjoyable than walking on a treadmill,” said Muller, who performed “Taps.” “I play songs for my grandchildren. I can walk up some steps now.”
Dean and Muller didn’t know each other before meeting at West Penn Hospital.
“Now, we are friends,” said Dean after playing “When the Saints Go Marching In.” “We support each other.”
They definitely do, said Jordan, who has kept in touch with the first group of patients she worked trained on the harmonicas. Learning a musical instrument is something they can do for life, Jordan said.
“There is so much value in this program,” Jordan said. “It’s been wonderful watching and listening to them. They become a family. They understand what the other COPD patients are going through. If you could see the progress they’ve made from the first week, it’s great.”
Participation in a pulmonary rehab program helps increase strength, manage shortness of breath and decrease anxiety and depression, Nauer said. Adding the harmonica aspect complements what the team at Allegheny Health Network is doing to help these patients improve their overall health.
Typically, a physician will refer a patient to pulmonary rehabilitation for a program followed by maintenance. Patients typically find it hard to continue with exercises on their own, Nauer and Jordan said.
The hope is that Harmonicas For Health will be a way to keep them engaged in breathing exercises such that they are able to maintain good breathing, stay out of the hospital due to shortness of breath and maintain a good quality of life.
It also isn’t a physical medication, but still can help a patient feel better.
“This is an important program,” Nauer said. “Even if they practice at home 10-15 minutes a day it can help. And there is no formal prior musical training required. If we can help keep people from having to go to the emergency room with this program, then that’s a huge benefit.”
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact JoAnne by email at [email protected] or via Twitter .
CINCINNATI, Ohio (Ivanhoe Newswire) – About 12.5 million Americans have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD. With COPD, less air flows in and out of the airways.
The tiny air sacs in the lungs are damaged, and unable to stretch and shrink. A team of physician-scientists has developed a non-invasive device that can help patients with their breathing.
“The main cause of breathlessness in COPD is something called air trapping, or dynamic hyperinflation. It’s an inability to exhale all of the air that one takes in,” said Ralph Panos, MD University of Cincinnati College of Medicine pulmonologist.
Treatments include a rescue inhaler and steroids. Patients are also taught to practice a special method of breathing.
“They learned something called pursed lip breathing, which is breathing out through pursed lips to create that back pressure,” said Dr. Panos.
Dr. Panos and his colleagues developed a hands-free device that helps patients simulate pursed lip breathing. The device is called the positive expiratory pressure, or PEP Buddy.
“It’s just simply placed in the mouth, one breath in through the nose, and then out through the device. That resistance to airflow creates the back pressure, which relieves the air trapping and dynamic hyperinflation,” said Dr. Panos.
The researchers say there are many benefits of slow breathing and exhalation. Now, a tiny tool can help.
Dr. Panos and his colleagues developed the PEP Buddy with help from a University of Cincinnati department that provides a launchpad for entrepreneurs.
The researchers are in the process of obtaining what’s called class one approval from the FDA, which is for medical devices that are considered low risk for consumer use.
Since the device is considered low-risk, it can be available for purchase before it gets FDA approval. The PEP Buddy is currently being sold for $25 and is not covered by insurance.
Contributors to this news report include: Cyndy McGrath, Producer; Kirk Manson, Videographer; Roque Correa, Editor.
Your nose feels full, you can sense some pressure in your face, and you may be coughing. On top of it all, you’re not able to breathe well, or possibly through your nose at all. Yep, you’re congested.
Other than popping a decongestant, how can you break up that mucus to breathe more easily? One option is to make like a Taylor Swift lyric and “breathe in, breathe through, breathe deep, breathe out.” (Sorry, had to.) Yes, according to a respiratory therapist, the power of breathwork can help ease congestion the same way it does for so many other things.
Why use breathing treatments for allergies
How exactly does the process go? First, an allergen—such as pollen, dust, or pet dander—gets into your system. “When an individual with allergies encounters these allergens, their body produces a reaction, including inflammation and mucus production, which can lead to respiratory symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing,” explains Mandy De Vries, RRT, respiratory therapist and director of education at the American Association for Respiratory Care.
Certain breathing practices can address the problem in a variety of ways, according to De Vries. This includes reducing your body’s stress response, improving lung function, decreasing inflammation, clearing mucus from airways, lessening the likelihood of allergic reactions, and reducing anxiety.
Helping you breathe deeply and fully, and also promoting relaxation, De Vries says, this option involves the diaphragm, a large muscle at the bottom of your lungs.
Sit or lie down with your back straight, shoulders relaxed, and feet flat on the floor.
Place one hand on your chest and the other below your ribcage.
Take a slow, deep breath, inhaling for three to five seconds. As you inhale, feel your hand rise on your belly as it expands.
Hold your breath for a moment, then slowly exhale through your mouth for three to five seconds, noticing your belly deflating.
Repeat these steps a few times, envisioning stress leaving your body as you do so.
Other tips De Vries notes:
If you get distracted, gently bring your mind back to your breath.
Practicing this a few minutes each day is best, gradually increasing the duration as you feel more comfortable.
Don’t get discouraged if you struggle with this technique at first—it takes time and practice for us all.
Pursed lip breathing
This technique is another great choice when you can’t breathe well. “Pursed lip breathing can help to slow down your breathing rate, improve airway pressure, and promote relaxation, which may help to alleviate congestion and reduce the feeling of breathlessness associated with nasal congestion,” De Vries says.
Sit comfortably, relaxing your shoulders and neck.
Inhale slowly and deeply through your nose for two to four seconds.
Pucker your lips slightly, like you’re going to whistle or blow out a candle. Making a “whoosh” sound, exhale slowly and gently through pursed lips for four to eight seconds.
Repeat these steps for a few minutes, ensuring your breaths are slow, controlled, and relaxed.
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The 4-7-8 breathing technique
Feeling anxious? This type of breathwork may be the one for you. “Also known as the ‘relaxing breath,’ [this] is a simple and effective breathing technique that can help to reduce stress and promote relaxation,” De Vries says.
Sit comfortably, relaxing your neck and shoulders.
Place the tip of your tongue on the ridge of tissue behind your upper front teeth, keeping it there for the duration of this exercise.
Close your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose for four seconds.
Hold your breath for seven seconds.
Exhale slowly and completely for eight seconds.
Repeat for four breaths.
Other notes she mentions:
The 4-7-8 ratio keeps your breathing slow, controlled, and relaxed.
This technique may also take some practice, especially with the timing. That’s okay!
When breathwork doesn’t cut it
While these practices can help reduce symptoms and improve your overall respiratory health, know that more serious care may be needed. “Individuals with severe allergies should still seek medical treatment and work with their healthcare provider to manage their symptoms,” De Vries says.
Usually, by this point in the spring, I’ve had at least one upper respiratory infection — a common complication of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). My last one was particularly problematic and led to double pneumonia. I was in the hospital for eight days and required noninvasive ventilation for the first three. But so far this year, I’ve managed to avoid infections.
One of the most important things that those of us with COPD can do for our health is to avoid exacerbations, which can be brought on by illness. According to the Mayo Clinic, “People with COPD are more likely to catch colds, the flu, and pneumonia. Any respiratory infection can make it much more difficult to breathe and could cause further damage to lung tissue.”
I believe that prevention is far better than treatment, so I’m willing to try anything I consider safe that might help keep me from getting sick. Following are two of the practices I’ve implemented in an effort to avoid illness and infection with COPD.
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Humming
A few weeks ago, I wrote about my morning routine. But one aspect I didn’t mention is humming.
I started humming after a young pulmonologist friend from India introduced me to the practice as a way to increase nitric oxide in my nostrils. Nitric oxide is a naturally occurring compound that plays an important role in various bodily functions. For instance, it helps relax blood vessels, which allows for improved blood flow. This may be especially helpful for COPD patients, as our low oxygen levels can cause our arteries to narrow.
Nitric oxide is also a key component of the immune system. As the University of Reading’s website notes, the compound helps destroy harmful bacteria and protect the body against other types of illness and infection.
According to an article published in 2002 in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, a small study of 10 healthy adults indicated that nasal nitric oxide levels “increase dramatically during humming compared with normal quiet nasal exhalation.”
For humming, I take a deep breath, place my thumb and forefinger above the bridge of my nose, and concentrate on making vibrations in my nose. I hum for 30-40 seconds, keeping the sound in my middle or lower range, and repeat this six times.
Pursed lip breathing involves inhaling through my nose and exhaling through pursed lips. This breathing exercise helps me clear stale air from my lungs and relieve my shortness of breath.
Nasal irrigation
A long time ago, I owned a neti pot to help flush out my nasal cavity, but I got rid of it after reading several negative reports. Recently, though, one of my close friends told me that she had avoided sinus infections by using a nasal irrigation device.
Since I like to investigate things on my own, I began researching various devices and their safety records. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), improper use of neti pots and similar devices can increase a person’s risk of infection. That said, nasal irrigation devices “are usually safe and effective products when used and cleaned properly,” the FDA noted.
I now use a sinus wash system, though I make sure to take several precautions. As the FDA recommends, I only use distilled or sterile water. And after talking with my pulmonology nurse, I make sure to only use prepackaged sterile salt, and I clean the device with white vinegar immediately after use.
These two practices are the only things that have changed in my routine this year, so I will keep on doing them in hopes of continuing to avoid upper respiratory infections.
How do you prevent illnesses or infections with COPD? Please share in the comments below.
Note: COPD News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of COPD News Today or its parent company, BioNews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Knowing how to breathe properly while out on a run will help you go further, which is exactly what you want to do at this year’s Wings for Life World Run to stay ahead of the Catcher Car.
The event takes place each year and is in support of finding a cure for spinal cord injuries.
If you can’t make it to one of the course locations, you can still take part in the run no matter where you are. All you have to do is download the Wings for Life World Run App and you’ll be off the starting line at the same time as everyone else around the world.
To help get you prepared, we put together the best breathing exercises that will let you run longer.
The relationship between running speed and oxygen intake is known as your ‘running economy.’ The more efficiently you can convert oxygen into forward motion, the better. As your muscle’s workload increases, more carbon dioxide is produced within your system. If there’s no oxygen to flush it out, there will be a build-up of lactic acid, which can cause cramps, muscle pains and shortness of breath!
5 Breathing Exercises for Runners
Below, we take you through 5 controlled breathing exercises that are as important for muscle oxygenation as interval training. They will also help you strengthen your mental toughness and help you hit your personal bests in terms of distance and time.
Participant at the Wings for Life World Run event in Le Fousseret, France
Patterned breathing exercises help you tone your diaphragm and gain more control over your breathing. When you get good at this exercise, you will be able to take deeper breaths and improve your running economy.
How to start using patterned breathing:
Step 1: start by walking and base your breathing on your strides. For example, inhale for two steps, and exhale for the same amount — this is called the 2:2 breathing pattern
Step 2: keep this pattern up for 1-2 minutes
Step 3: once you feel comfortable, speed up your pace and start running while still breathing based on your strides
These exercises can vary in formation, depending on your desired goal and pace. Use a 2:2 breathing pattern for short sprints or races and a 3:3 or 4:4 breathing pattern for longer training or races. Ultimately, paced breathing can help you run with more power and efficiency even as you start to fatigue.
02
Belly Breathing or Diaphragmatic Breathing
Tom Evans at the Wings for Life World Run Flagship Run in Vienna, Austria
This type of deep abdominal breathing strengthens your diaphragm (the muscles that control your breathing). This exercise is particularly helpful if you have shallow breath, which causes tension in the shoulders resulting in cramps and backache. Since this type of breathing allows you to take in more air, there is a reduced likelihood of experiencing stitches.
Here’s how you practice belly breathing in three simple steps:
Step 1: breathe in through your nose and fill your stomach with oxygen
Step 2: when your belly has expanded, push your diaphragm down and out
Step 3: when you exhale, make sure to lengthen your breath so they are longer than when you inhale
To begin with, try doing this exercise lying on the floor. Once you get the hang of it, implement it while you're running by slowing down your pace and following the steps above.
Participants at the Copenhagen Marathon 2022 in Copenhagen
This technique focuses on making your inhales and your exhales the same length. It makes your breathing slow and steady, which helps immensely with pacing yourself. Although it seems easy, this is one of the more difficult exercises since it’s all about discipline and control.
Step 1: breath in and out through your nose
Step 2: make sure each inhale and exhale are of equal duration
A great trick is to choose a word or a short phrase to repeat while inhaling and exhaling
Although this exercise is the hardest to master, it is the easiest to implement while you are running as it doesn’t require any physical manipulation of your body. It’s useful because it ensures there is enough oxygen exchange in your system which will improve your stamina and help you to run further distances.
04
Alternating Nostrils Breathing also known as Nadi Shodhana
Alternate nostril breathing comes from yoga practices. It’s also known as ‘Nadi Shodhana Pranayama’ which means “subtle energy clearing breathing technique” in Sanskrit. This technique is known to lower stress and improve cardiovascular function.
This method is easy and you can do it in 5 simple steps:
Step 1: lift your right hand up and press your first and middle finger towards your palm and leave the other fingers extended. When you exhale, use your thumb to close your right nostril
Step 2: inhale through your left nostril and then close it with your pinky and ring finger and release your thumb from your right nostril
Step 3: exhale out of your right nostril and inhale again
Step 4: close your right nostril and then release your left nostril and inhale, then exhale
Step 5: repeat this cycle for up to 5 minutes
Again, until you get the hang of this method, sit down while you practice. Once you feel comfortable and know how to execute the cycles, try this exercise as a part of your pre-run stretches or jogging warm-up. It’ll help you to increase your lung capacity by strengthening your diaphragm, so it’ll take longer for you to feel out of breath.
Pursed-lip breathing will reduce the impact on your lungs while running. It slows your breathing by keeping your airways open longer — this makes it easier for oxygen to enter your bloodstream and flush out the carbon dioxide build-up in your muscles.
Follow these three steps to try the exercise out:
Step 1: inhale through your nostrils
Step 2: purse your lips as if you were pouting
Step 3: breathe out as slowly as you can through your pursed lips. It should take twice as long for you to exhale
This exercise is much easier than diaphragmatic breathing and has a similar effect on your system. You can easily implement while you are running as long as you are focused on your breathwork.
06
Breathing Exercises and Techniques for Cold Weather Climates
While many of the breathing exercises outlined above can help no matter the weather climate, there are a few others that can give you a bit of a boost when running in colder weather.
Knowing the different techniques will help keep your body warm, increase your oxygen intake, and improve your overall lung function.
Alternate Between Inhaling and Exhaling Through Your Nose and Mouth
If you have ever run in cold weather you know what it feels like to take a deep breath through your nose. But this can sometimes be a good thing versus inhaling through your mouth because it takes longer for the air to reach your lungs, helping to warm it up along the way.
Try to take steady inhales through your nose and then breathe out through your mouth. However, the downfall here is that it all depends on the intensity of your run. The harder you go, the more difficult it is to have enough oxygen when breathing in through your nose.
Alternating between inhaling and exhaling through your nose and mouth can be very helpful as you’re starting your run and warming your body up. Once you get a comfortable level and have acclimated to the temperature, you can switch to only breathing through your mouth.
Start Slow and Increase the Distance As You Go
Intense runs outside in the cold weather can have negative effects on your airways and make it even harder to breathe. Don’t just jump right into a full race pace your first time out — work your way up to a comfortable level and allow your body to adjust to the different elements.
Start by going for slower-paced, shorter runs and establish a base mileage and then you can steadily increase your distance. If it’s really cold, it can be better to focus on longer and easier runs to ensure your airways can keep up with the temperature instead of a high-intensity run.
On top of other breathing exercises like alternate nostril breathing, deep breathing, and diaphragmatic breathing, Buteyko breathing can be another technique to add to your bag — especially in cold weather. It involves minimizing the total number of breaths you take each minute.
Focusing on this breathing technique can help limit the possibility of a respiratory infection and improve how efficient your breathing is. All you need to do is take a deep inhale through your nose and then continue to exhale back through your nose, not your mouth.
After you exhale, hold your breath for an extended amount of time (not too long, however) and then continue to repeat this process. You’ll find that after the first few times of doing the exercise you’re going to be more comfortable with the technique, and then you can do it as long as it’s needed.
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3 Tips for How to Properly Breathe When Running
Participants at Red Bull Quicksand in Almaty, Kazakhstan
Here are some general steps to maximize oxygen intake while running. These will help you control your breathing, regulate your pace and maximize your energy.
Know when to breathe out of your nose vs your mouth. If you’re running at a slow pace, you can use nasal breathing or choose to inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth. But if you’re running at a faster pace, and are struggling to catch your breath, you might find it easier to breathe through your mouth.
Stick to a rhythm, this allows you to take in more oxygen. Alternate your exhalations between your right and left foot, this will reduce the impact of your feet hitting the floor on your diaphragm. This impact can equal up to 4 times your body-weight. Using an alternating breathing technique will help reduce the chance of injury as both sides of your body are absorbing this weight.
Finally, focus on your form. In order to maximize breathing depth, you need to maintain good posture while running. Keep your head up and in line with your spine, making sure your shoulders aren’t hunched.
Strengthen Your Breathing and Hit Your Personal Best
Overall, breathing exercises are a great way to build stamina — whether you’re a beginner, a seasoned sprinter or training for a competition. These techniques, combined with perfecting your stride, will help you gain control over your performance!
And that’s the beautiful thing about the Wings for Life World Run – runners of any skill level can take part and it doesn’t matter where you’re located. You can join one of the organized runs closest to your location or you can do the App Run, which is where you do your own race and use the app to track your progress and try to stay ahead of the catcher car.
This year’s event takes place on May 7, 2023 and all proceeds from the run go directly to help fund spinal cord research. You can learn more about the race and sign up by heading to Wings For Life World Run website.
TN Corona Spike: 502 more people have been infected with a corona in tamil Nadu. While 519 people have been confirmed to be infected with coronavirus yesterday, there has been a slight decrease today. 3,671 people are under treatment in home isolation and hospitals. Meanwhile, a 66-year-old man from Pudukottai, who was suffering from corona and was being treated, died. In tamil Nadu, 513 people who were suffering from corona and were being treated have recovered and returned home. 102 more corona cases have been confirmed in Chennai.
Corona situation:
In the past two years, the coronavirus has severely affected the normal life of people worldwide. Now, Corona has started causing fear again. Corona has caused millions of deaths worldwide. While the countries of the world were struggling to control this, the epidemic was brought under control due to the continuous research of the scientific world and vaccines. Lung health:
The lungs are made up of millions of tiny air sacs called alveoli, which exchange gases between the bloodstream and the air we breathe. They maintain the body's pH balance and immune defenses by producing mucus and removing toxins and unwanted substances from the respiratory tract. Since Corona affects the respiratory system first, lunghealth is very important. If the lungs are healthy, the risk of serious illness or complications from the virus is reduced.
Do not smoke!
Smoking damages our respiratory system and also lowers our immune system. This makes it more susceptible to many infections, including the Coronavirus. The first thing we need to do for healthy lungs is to quit smoking. Deep breathing exercises:
Deep breathing exercises improve lung capacity. It also helps improve respiratory muscle strength. Try incorporating techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing or pursed-lip breathing into your daily routine. Along with this, you should also follow a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Shortness of breath months after a corona infection can have many causes. One of them is that the diaphragm could have gotten out of exercise due to the Covid 19 disease, reports “Apotheken Umschau” (edition B 4/23). Apparently, the disease has caused some patients to get used to shallow chest breathing, which promotes breathing problems.
Three exercises that help with shortness of breath after corona infection
But that can easily be changed with three simple exercises. They train the diaphragm, calm the breath and thus alleviate shortness of breath. It is best to do this several times a day in peace and quiet:
1. The pursed lip
It helps when you are short of breath. To do this, breathe in through your nose and then slowly out through your mouth – against the slight resistance of your lips lying loosely on top of each other. Exhaling should be longer than inhaling.
2. The coach seat
While sitting, support your thighs with both forearms and lean forward. The muscles in the arms and hands are relaxed. Extend your back as long as possible to expand your chest. Here, too, exhale longer than inhale and like to use pursed lips.
3. The diaphragm training
This can be done either sitting or lying on your back with your feet up. Inhale forcefully through your nose, inflating your abdomen, then exhale through your nose, flattening your abdomen. Feel the swelling and flattening with your hands on your stomach.
These are the most common long Covid symptoms
According to estimates by the WorldHealth Organization, around ten percent of all people infected with corona suffer from long-Covid after infection. Even people who have had no symptoms or only a mild course can suffer from it. A study recently published inNature“-Magazine has been published shows that 90 percent of all long-Covid-affected have only gone through a mild course of Covid-19.
Long-Covid occurs in all age groups but is most common in people between the ages of 36 and 50. Factors such as previous illnesses, a lower socio-economic status and the lack of an opportunity to recover are considered risk factors for long-Covid.
The most common symptoms include:
tiredness and exhaustion
Headache
difficulty breathing
Disorders of smell and taste
cognitive impairments such as brain fog, impaired concentration and memory
depressive moods
But heart problems, kidney and metabolic disorders can also occur as a result of an infection. The list of possible symptoms is long: in various studies, those affected have given up to 200 different symptoms for Long-Covid.
Frequency of each Long Covid symptom
In the “Nature“-Study, specific numbers are given with reference to various studies: Twelve weeks after the infection, they were still suffering
32 percent of tiredness,
22 percent under cognitive impairment
20 to 40 percent of long-Covid patients still complained of shortness of breath and coughing at least seven months after infection.
It is estimated that around half of long-COVID patients meet criteria for chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CF). Cardiac MRI examinations also showed that 78 percent of corona patients and 58 percent of long-Covid patients had heart failure.
An examination of the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas and spleen in over 500 people previously infected with corona showed that 59 percent had single organ damage, and 27 percent had multiple organs affected. “The organ damage suffered by patients with Long-Covid appears to be permanent,” the researchers comment.
Mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression, on the other hand, normalized over time. This was the result of a study with more than 1.3 million formerly corona infected people. In the case of cognitive impairment (brain fog), seizures, dementia, psychosis and other neurocognitive disorders, the increased risk lasted for at least two years.
Vaccination reduces long-Covid risk
A recent meta-study with data from over 850,000 patients recently published in the journal “Jama Internal Medicine” was published shows that a corona vaccination consisting of two doses reduces the risk of long-Covid
The following factors were identified as risk factors in this study:
overweight
Smoking
Pre-existing conditions such as asthma, diabetes and depression
Women over 40 and people who have had to be hospitalized for Covid-19 are also at increased risk. What exactly leads to Long-Covid is still unclear. Researchers are assuming inflammatory processes and a misguided immune response in the body. There is still no cure for it.
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Lung health:
Deep breathing exercises:
