Breathing Exercises to Increase Lung Capacity

Your lung capacity is that the whole amount of air that your lungs can hold. Over time, our lung capacity and lung function deteriorates as we age, approximately after our mid-20s.

At the same time, some conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can significantly speed up these reductions in lung capacity and functioning. This results in difficulty in breathing and shortness of breath. Especially in the wake of Coronavirus, taking care of your lungs and their strength  

Fortunately, there are exercises which can help maintain and increase lung capacity making it easier to remain your lungs healthy and acquire your body the oxygen it needs. It is important to know about these exercises and be aware of the hospital supplies required to conduct them, if there are any.

1. Diaphragmatic breathing

Diaphragmatic breathing, or “belly breathing,” engages the diaphragm, which is supposed to undertake most of the work when it involves breathing.

This technique is particularly helpful in people with COPD, because the diaphragm isn’t as effective in these individuals and can be strengthened. The technique is best used when feeling rested.

If you've COPD, ask your doctor or respiratory therapist to inform you about the different ways this exercise can get you best results.

According to the COPD Foundation, you need to do the following to practice diaphragmatic breathing:

1. Relax your shoulders and sit back or lie.

2. Place one hand on your belly and one on your chest.

3. Inhale through your nose for two seconds, feeling the air enter your abdomen and feeling your stomach expand.

4. Exhale for two seconds through pursed lips while pressing on your abdomen.

5. Repeat.

There are many medical supplies online that you simply can find on Smart Medical Buyer which can be used for breathing exercises.

 

2. Pursed-lips breathing

Pursed-lips breathing can improve the exchange of oxygen and CO2. This breathing exercise is usually easier for beginners than diaphragmatic breathing and thus is a highly recommended breathing exercise for those you wish to maintain healthy lung function.

To practice the pursed-lips breathing technique:

1. Inhale slowly through your nostrils.

2. Purse your lips, as if pouting or on the brink of blowing on something.

3. Exhale as slowly as possible through pursed lips taking twice as much time as you did to inhale.

4. Repeat.

Tips for keeping your lungs healthy

Prevention is the best cure. Making sure your lungs are generally healthy is much more efficient than trying to repair them after something goes wrong. To make sure your lungs remain healthy, do the following:

• Eat foods rich in antioxidants.

• Get vaccinations a bit like the flu vaccine and thus the pneumonia vaccine. this may help prevent lung infections and promote lung health.

• Exercise more frequently, which can help your lungs function properly.