Lung Problems: Learning To Breathe Easier

Overview

Breathing is hard when you have lung problems like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or interstitial lung disease. You may take quick, short breaths. Breathing this way makes it harder to get air into your lungs. Learning new ways to slow down and control your breathing may help. You may feel better and be able to do more because you can breathe better.

You can try two ways to control your breathing. They are pursed-lip breathing and diaphragmatic breathing (belly breathing).

Use these methods when you are more short of breath than normal. Practice them often so you can use them correctly when you need to.