Actionsets help people take an active role in managing a health condition.  Breath training for COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)

Introduction

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is a lung disease that makes it hard to breathe. COPD gets worse over time. You can't undo the damage to your lungs. But you can take steps to breathe easier and feel better.

Key points

  • If you have severe COPD, you may find that you take quick, small, shallow breaths.
  • It's important to avoid shortness of breath. Do all you can to make breathing easier. This includes learning ways of breathing that can help the air flow in and out of your lungs.
  • Breath training can help you take deeper breaths and reduce shortness of breath.
  • You must practice breath training regularly to do it well.

What? - What is the medical information or key concepts related to the action? What is breath training for COPD?
Why? - Why the action is important? Why should you learn these breathing methods?
How? - Learn the steps involved in taking action. How do you use these breathing methods?
Where? - Other resources and organizations that can help you take action Where to go from here

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Author: Cynthia TankLast Updated: November 13, 2007
Medical Review: Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine
Ken Y. Yoneda, MD - Pulmonology

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