Breathing exercises can help persons with chronic airway obstruction. They help people have better control over breathing, even when they are under stress. They may also improve exercise performance. Often you will be asked to do them before and after heart or lung surgery. They also help prevent pneumonia in bedridden patients.

The goal of these exercises is to make use of the entire lung and keep the chest muscles active. The main technique is to prolong one's exhalation or outward breath. A therapist can teach a patient the methods. The person can then perform them at home. Learning in front of a mirror is useful. Ideally, one performs them ten times a session, three or four times a day. The exercises focus on three areas: the upper chest, the lower side ribs, and the diaphragm. The diaphragm is the large muscle below the lungs that drops when we inhale.

By placing hands on certain spots, the therapist shows how to inhale deeply and expand that area only. For example, you may try to expand the upper chest but not the lower. Next, you may try to expand the ribs to the side, but not the upper chest. For each exercise, the person should focus on the chosen area and not use neck, shoulder, or other muscles.

Breathing from the diaphragm causes the front lower ribs to flare out. To practice this, lie on your back with bent knees supported by pillows. Place your fingers on your belly just below your ribcage. As you inhale deeply, your belly and lower ribs should rise while your chest remains fairly still. Inhale for a count of three and exhale for a count of six. You should prolong breathing out with lips slightly pursed. With practice, you should be able to do a dozen such breaths without tiring. When you have mastered this, try it standing. Finally, practice it while walking or even climbing stairs. You may also try it with lips pursed while you breathe in.

The next step is deep breathing. You sit or stand, pull your elbows back firmly, and inhale deeply. Hold your breath for a count of five before exhaling slowly and completely. If you have chronic airway obstruction, ask your healthcare provider which exercises will work for you.

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