Optimum Breathing
It has been suggested to breathe in a count of 4 and out a count of 6. That is easy to do on the concentrator, but not on the portable unit.. I realize you don't (maybe you do?) do it all the time, but I like to do it when I think of it... Any help or suggestions...
Hi Lindy, and thanks for your post. Remember, it is just a suggestion. You may be aware the rationale behind extending one's exhalation phase to be 1 1/2 times longer than one's inhalation phase is to mimic normal breathing.
For some folks with COPD, the challenge to breathing is during the exhalation phase. COPD is an obstructive disease so it can be more difficult to get the air out, than it is it breathe in.
If you can do this (when you are thinking about it, as you shared), that is a good exercise.
If you find it easier to do (and are successful), while you are using the oxygen concentrator, I would suggest that is when you do this type of breathing. Depending on the portable unit you have, it may not be putting out sufficient oxygen for you to accomplish this easily.
What do you think?
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)Hi. Thank you Leon for all the information. I just figured I have been doing a major slack on my breathing.. I was diagnosed in 2009 after having H1N1 (prefer that to Swine,lol) By the end of the first year, realized doctor's were not much help.. Soooo I found the Wellness Center and worked on my own.. Then the biggest boon Donna Wilson's lung exercise videos.. Boy did that put me on a great road.. Sadly lately I have been lazy and have to go back to actually breathing as you said.. So while I am working out with Donna's tape, will toast you with coffee.. I HAVE to get back on the wagon, my breathing is not as it should be....Oh also found my biggest breathing problem is Anxiety!!!!!!!!!! Never an issue, but am learning to identify the triggers and laugh
Hi Lindy - and thank YOU for your response and further explanation. I am so pleased to hear you took the initiative and did what you had to in order to get back on track - good for you! It's especially gratifying to hear that, when you were doing the lung exercises, you began to improve!
Sometimes, getting lazy is what happens (to many of us, at times!). When that happens one needs the stimulus to get back on track. What I find works is to think about how much progress one has made - and then to see the slacking off is working against oneself! My family also provides me with encouragement and support and that is a tremendous advantage for me!
Thanks for the 'toast' - I appreciate it! Now, get back on that wagon and get back to work! The reward is that you will continue to improve!!
Please do check back and keep us apprised of how you're doing.
Warm regards,
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
