Does sitting in certain positions affect your breathing

[TG58]

As I have recently been diagnosed with Bronchiectasis, I started to notice sometimes when I sit a certain way it can make breathing more difficult, the thing is when I first spoke to NHS 111 they told me to sit upright as this is a good position for the lungs, and when I sat on the sofa this was the case, however the weird thing is I was sitting in front of my PC quite upright doing some work, and I noticed I started to struggle breathing deeply, so I went back downstairs and walked about a bit then I sat on the sofa, however my chest had tightened and breathing deeply still became difficult, I spoke to my GP about it and she said it could be small pockets in my lungs getting trapped, I thought it was odd because l doubt you can sit more upright than Infront of a PC, however it's happened a few times since, it's a pain really as I'm also a keen photographer and I thought whilst I am shielding I would go through some old photos on the PC and do some processing on them, I guess I will have to try shorter stints on the PC to see how I get on, I am curious though to see if anyone has had similar experiences when sitting in certain positions and having breathing problems.

[JustR]

Hi, I do believe different positions can cause your breathing to differ. I’m not always great sat upright on a chair.

Last year I had a respiratory physio sessions to help teach me the correct ways in which to breath and control breathing whilst sitting..standing etc..it was a really good insight into how your breathing can become dysfunctional or irregular pattern without knowing. I’m know much more aware of my breathing and different techniques to help me use my lungs effectively..it’s just a thought that this could be something that could help.

[TG58 in reply to JustR]

Thank you, I am waiting to see a bronchiectasis physio, I asked the GP to refer me last week, I'm guessing it's going to take sometime though, particularly in the covid19 situation.

[2greys]

Yes, your posture can certainly affect breathing. One of the things taught in Pulmonary Rehab, or was in mine.

[TG58 in reply to 2greys]

It seems a very strange thing, I'm learning new things everyday from this forum, I think my easiest position for me at the moment is laying on my back, but that just makes me want to fall asleep 🙄

[2greys in reply to TG58]

The important things to do are sit with your back straight and not hunch your shoulders forwards or upwards, keep them in a straight line.

[Bevvy]

I think most people actually slump when using PC.

Suggest consider body position when using. Plus arm and hand positions because these can make a huge difference.

[knitter]

Different sitting positions affect my breathing .

But check your breathing pattern when you are using your PC, are you breathing faster without noticing , are your shoulders tight and hunched, are you mouth breathing ?

Just check every so often , relax shoulders and slow breathing down

[Ergendl]

I often slouch and squint when using my PC. Not good for the lungs or the back. Whenever I catch myself, I straighten up again. It helps having a proper office chair.