Dysfunctional breathing.

[Viamar204B]

Does anyone know about dysfunctional breathing? My husband has adopted this method of shallow, pursed lips breathing and I don't know how to respond. I am sure it is just a bad habit as he suffers from anxiety as well as COPD.

[O2Trees]

Ok, I dont know whether you are aware that pursed lips breathing is what is taught to COPD patients to help them self manage their breathlessness. What happens when we do this kind of breathing is that back pressure is exerted on the lungs because the air is being let out more slowly than normal, and this helps keep the airways open and prevents them from collapsing. So it is not disfunctional. In fact some of us find we have already been doing it naturally before we were diagnosed, without even having to learn it. This happened with me.

The shallow part of what you are saying is less clear to me. Maybe you could encourage your husband to breathe more slowly in and out of the lower part of his lunds - his abdomen should rise and fall when he does this. But if you are worried his breathing isnt ok then you should get in touch with your doctor or copd nurse to check.

Best wishes.

[beech]

I used to do pursed lips breathing without realising in very stressful situations which I found helped calm my panic. Then came across it again in childbirth to help control pain waves and panic when I felt out of control!

So when I came across it yet again to ease breathlessness - and the anxiety I feel when it’s bad - it felt like a helpful old friend.

You say your husband suffers from anxiety, so it may be that he uses the breathing to calm himself and steady his breathing. It may be habitual, but it probably helps him more than you realise. I imagine it could be quite irritating to someone living alongside it! I’m not sure what to recommend for you, but perhaps understanding his reasons for doing it might help.

[Viamar204B in reply to beech]

That is brilliant. I hate seeing him doing this, it does irritate me. Like living with Darth Vader!

[Angelagone in reply to Viamar204B]

I can imagine 😂 but it really is helpful if you have copd. I find I do it automatically now, without even thinking about it, even if it does freak out any bystanders !

[Rugbyguy]

I recently completed a pulmonory rehabilitation programme in France where I live. Pursed lips is one of the breathing techniques taught. It certainly helps me when I am SOB which is often!

[knitter]

I find pursed lip breathing fine for a short time , but may be it’s become a longer term habit with your husband .

I think it would be very tiring , and I don’t know how beneficial in the long term.

Shallow breathing, with just the top of the chest with tight shoulders means air is not getting into the bottom of the lungs .

This happened to me in the past, a doctor listened to my chest and diagnosed this breathing pattern .

I know with COVID it’s difficult to see a health professional , but he could have a chat to someone over the phone for advice for long term anxiety as well as the breathing pattern....the BLF has a helpline for UK residents on 03000 030 555 too. I would ring today for advice.

Meditation and relaxation exercises have helped me regulate dysfunctional breathing , as did learning to gentle, gentle breathe with a relaxed tummy and diaphragm, relaxed shoulders ....gentle nose breaths to warm and filter the air .

Sending best wishes .

[Viamar204B in reply to knitter]

Thanks, have arranged a face to face with COPD nurse.

[Hacienda]

I was taught this type of Deep Breathing Method at my First Rehab 5 years ago, Count 10 taking air in from lower Abdomen, then count 5 out slowly through Pierced Lips. Use it every day, all day. I'm on Oxygen also 24/7, Use a Salt Pipe. This Daily Breathing Exercise is keeping me going, Hubby does them with me for Support & Encouragement. We all will try anything to make our Breathing Happen & reduce anxiety. Good luck to your Husband and please encourage him. Have a Good Day . Best Wishes. C. XXX

[Viamar204B in reply to Hacienda]

Many thanks,

[Bkin in reply to Viamar204B]

I understood it was the reverse of what Hacienda was taught. I am thinking it depends what lung condition the patient has.

I was taught the outward breath being longer than the inward, the idea with emphysema copd is you breathe out longer to try and empty the lungs of co2 so that on the in breath you take in more oxygen.

The type of breathing exercise is useful for walking outside as a practise rather than normal everyday breathing.

example, breathe out first, breathe in for step count 3, breathe out for step count 6, or whatever the patient can manage comfortable.

Every little helps.

[Hacienda in reply to Bkin]

Your possible right, I tend to get mixed up these days, Oxygen not getting to the Brain. Try both ways. as you say Bkin every little Helps. x

[Bkin in reply to Hacienda]

Its a brain foggy day here, I am fuzzy too, take things easy x

[garshe]

It is not a bad habit. We are taught this. Unless you suffer COPD you would not understand. just imagine breathing thro a straw well its scary. Pursed lips breathing is a method which helps us .it also calms you when you are anxious and slows your breathing down. SHEILA 😤😤

[O2Trees in reply to garshe]

Since Garshe has mentioned breathing through a straw, it might be helpful for you to actually spend a minute breathing doing this Viamar204B - that would let you understand what people with copd have to live with.

[garshe in reply to O2Trees]

Totally agree .thanks for that. People don't understand and stare when I am walking along with pierced lips blowing out and concentrating on every breath..this morning my hairdresser came to do my hair. I have had a few panic attacks so decided to take my lorazapan

Normally I take 0.5 mg which is half a 1mg tablet, have to cut them in half. Today I took one half at 8am and the other half at 10am it has,worked wonders. I was calm climbing the stairs leaning g over bath etc fantastic. Would not do this every day but great as a back up. My breathing is normal and my oxygen 94/95 which is great for me.i suffer Health Anxiety and not depression .my problem is I overthink something like walking out to the car as I have steps. If I think too long I will forget to breathe then as soon as I get in the car full blown panic attack. Today like a 2yr old well until the Lorazapam wears off 🤣🙌 I do not take them every day only if I have something to do. Such a small dose 0.5mg but believe me works. They are not addictive either . Worth a go or asking your consultant as really changes my way of thinking and I breeze through everything. xxSheila 😤😤🙌🤣💕

[O2Trees]

It's hard for partners when their other half develops a condition which changes things. Of course I dont know what you say to your husband and how good you are at keeping the irritation you mention above under wraps, but if my partner was to express irritation when I was struggling breathing it would add to my distress and anxiety and just make the situation worse. Your husband will be doing the best he can and is likely to be scared.

Well done getting a face to face appointment with the copd nurse. (S)he should know about copd breathing but if your husband doesnt get enough help from the nurse, then ask for an appointment with a respiratory physiotherapist. Pulmonary rehabilitation courses (exercise and education for people with copd and other lung conditions) are still taking place in some parts of the country so you could ask about that too as they are run by respiratory physios, and they are excellent. You can also find lots of videos on youtube about pursed lip breathing, copd breathing etc.

All the best to both of you.

[O2Trees]

Yes - he needs to combine PLB with abdomenal breathing.

[Jolaine]

I too have this problem so can understand.It does effect me when I am tired and anxious stress too I have Broncie Bronchiectasisctasis which does not help.

currently we are under a lot of stress(family) pus I have lots of joint issues. Wearing face masks add to all this.there are lots of good relaxation tips on British Lung foundation on breathing issues

[Bkin]

Pursed lip breathing is a breathing technique used to help with shortness of breath.

Shallow breathing on the other hand is not good for people with breathing difficulties.

He may need to practice diaphragm breathing as well to help over all.

my.clevelandclinic.org/heal...

Check in with his doctor if he wants to learn helpful breathing techniques, the doctor can refer him to learn through a physio or he may well be able to access an on-line pulmonary rehabilitation course where breathing exercises are included in the programme.

Check BLFs page for breathing and other exercises:

blf.org.uk/support-for-you/...

and don't hesitate to contact BLF helpline for further help and support.

Hope your husband is soon breathing easier.

BK