Breathing Exercises for Lung Health

A breathing technique that increases ventilation, improves gas exchange, and reduces workload by focusing on diaphragm movement.

Patient should be positioned supine, sitting, or semi-Fowler.

Place your hand over the subcostal angle and apply gentle pressure during exhalation, gradually increasing pressure, and assisting patient in inhaling against resistance.

Breathing technique focused on one side of the chest to improve ventilation to one area, particularly useful to release localized lung consolidation or secretions.

Breathing technique used to target and improve ventilation in a specific, hypo-ventilated part of the lung, using gentle pressure to increase airflow in that segment.

Position the patient to optimize inhalation to the targeted lung segment.

Used for obstructive and restrictive pulmonary diseases, excessive secretions, tachypnea, postoperative care, and post-trauma treatment.

While useful, not ideal for chronic pulmonary dysfunction.

A technique where a patient inhales against resistance, holds their breath, and then exhales passively; used for increasing lung volume and improving gas exchange.

Slow, deep breaths using pursed lips, reducing dyspnea (shortness of breath) by preventing early airway collapse and slowing breathing rate.

A device to encourage deep breathing, helping patients maximize inhalation during SMI.

A condition hindering airflow out of the lungs.

Breathing in a greater amount of air, which helps improve lung function and ventilation.

A breathing technique used to improve ventilation by stacking breaths on top of each other. It involves a series of deep breaths without exhaling until the maximum volume is tolerated. Each inspiration is held momentarily.

Stacked breathing is used for conditions like hypoventilation (low breathing rate), atelectasis (lung collapse), and ineffective cough.

A technique used to limit upper chest movement during breathing. It's typically used when other techniques have failed to improve breathing.

Pressure is applied to the upper chest to limit its expansion, and the pressure is gradually increased with each breath to increase effort and control.

A technique that focuses on strengthening abdominal muscles to improve breathing and coughing, especially useful for individuals with weak abdominal muscles.

A technique used to provide external support to the abdomen during exhalation, typically used when abdominal muscles are weak and cannot provide adequate support for passive exhalation.

A technique where air is 'gulped' into the lungs to assist with coughing, especially helpful for individuals with high-level cervical spine injuries.

Positioning the body in a way that helps ease breathing difficulty. Leaning forward with arms supported allows accessory muscles to assist in expanding the ribcage and enhancing breathing.

A measure of the maximum amount of oxygen a person can utilize during exercise. It’s the most accurate method for prescribing exercise intensity.