shortness of breath how to develope proper breathing techniques, My breathing rates all came out within normal ranges on the spirometry

[noreen12]

[scrobbitty]

We were told at Pulmonary Rehab to breathe in as deeply as you could through the nose, feeling your stomach inflate, the breathe out for double the time through your mouth, with your lips pursed together. This has the effect of getting rid of all the excess 'bad' air in your lungs. Do it a few times and then breathe as you normally would.

If you ring the BLF Helpline on Monday, I am sure they will give you full details on breathing techniques - their number is 03000 030 555.

[Toci]

Congratulations on your 'normal' spirometry results.

[Hidden]

Having Normal Spirometry Results Mean Nothing Unless You Have Been Diagnosed Or Had Ct Scan All Mine Where Normal Until I Had Ct Scan .... Then My Own Bad Breathing Had A Reason

[noreen12 in reply to Hidden]

thanks, i was thinking the same, I will get my Doctor to look a little deeper

[Hidden]

Sometimes figures don't give a true reflection! If you are still sob is there anything else you can do to help yourself? If so, do it!

A fan can help, blowing air on your face can reduce severity of sob.

Bw

Kevin

[Bealings48]

My technique is usually - slow slow, do it slow, slower slower, do it slower,. followed by sit down, sit down. Ha ha. Sorry I wish I could help but I havent found anything useful myself yet. I dont think my spirometry results mean a thing as mine are usually OK even though I am constantly SOB

[noreen12 in reply to Bealings48]

Thanks, your info will give me support, as i try to get my Doctor to look a little deeper

[CornishBrian]

I found all of the breathing control exercises on rehab really usefull...some a little easier than others. I especially use the "hanging over the banister" routine if I am SOB at night.

Another thing that ahs helped me more tha ever is singing lessons...not for some great performance but I wanted to sing a song to my wife on our 40th Anniversary in front of all my family. My daughter in law is a singing coach and even though I had a bad infection at the time, I forced myself to go for a lesson once a week. The breathing exercices were amazing, so much so that I am going to go back for more lessons and join a choir that she is choir mistress to. My voice....it's not great.....it's worse than not great....but to forget your woes and put your heart and soul into a song, lifts your spirits and gives a tremendous sense of achievement.

There must be other things like singing that folk have found useful. Go on spill the beans.

[scrobbitty in reply to CornishBrian]

Singing is absolutely the best and great at keeping visitors away

[noreen12 in reply to CornishBrian]

thanks, this does sound helpful

[undine]

I found myself wanting to sing when I came out of hospital and started singing for a few days at least whilst my lungs were clear of smoke. For some reason what I sang was the Toreador's song from the opera Carmen - English words though - now I think of it 'Stand up and fight? may have been a subconscious choice to give myself a message? unfortunately have not felt like singing it since I have slipped back into some old bad habits - smoking being one of them but have a plan .... wish me luck xx

[Hidden in reply to undine]

Easy Done Bad Habits .... Defo Huma Condition And Not Alone .... A Prefer To Whistle