Although pulmonary rehabilitation programs haven't been proven to increase survival, many people with COPD find them very beneficial. Pulmonary rehabilitation is a comprehensive preventive healthcare program provided by a team of health professionals to help people cope with COPD physically, psychologically and socially.
A typical rehabilitation program focuses on:
- breathing exercises
- exercise reconditioning
- progressive relaxation training
- stress and panic control techniques
- smoking cessation
- educational programs on medication, diet, exercise, and caring for and operating respiratory therapy equipment
Breath training is an important part of pulmonary rehabilitation. The objective of breath training is to improve control of breathing, decrease the amount of energy required to breathe, and improve the position and function of the respiratory muscles.
A respiratory therapist can help people with COPD practice the following techniques:
Pursed-lip breathing. First, inhale through your nose, then exhale with your lips pursed in a whistling or kissing position. Each inhalation should take about two seconds, and each exhalation about four to six seconds. It is not exactly clear how pursed-lip breathing relieves symptoms, but it appears to work by keeping the airways open.
Diaphragmatic breathing. The diaphragm is the main muscle used for normal breathing. People with COPD, however, may also use the muscles in the rib cage, neck and abdomen to breathe. This method is less efficient than using the diaphragm.
To practice using the diaphragm, lie on your back, place your hand or a small book on your abdomen, and breathe. Your hand or the book should rise on inhalation and fall on exhalation. Practice for 20 minutes twice daily. Once you have mastered this skill while lying down, try to do it with your hand while sitting up.
Forward-bending posture. Breathing while bending slightly forward from the waist relieves symptoms for some people with severe COPD, possibly because the diaphragm has more room to expand.
