Important Information On Using This Service
- Ergsy carefully checks the information in the videos we provide here.
- Videos shown by YouTube after a video has completed have NOT been reviewed by ERGSY.
- To view, click the arrow in the center of the video.
Using Subtitles and Closed Captions
- Most of the videos you find here will have subtitles and/or closed captions available.
- You may need to turn these on and choose your preferred language.
Turn Captions On or Off
- Go to the video you'd like to watch.
- If closed captions (CC) are available, settings will be visible on the bottom right of the video player.
- To turn on captions, click settings.
- To turn off captions, click settings again.
Find A Professional
More Items From Ergsy search
-
How to retrain your breathing | Part 2 | Asthma, long covid or breathlessness
Relevance: 100%
-
Clearing Your Chest with Breathing Exercises
Relevance: 88%
-
Tips for breathlessness | NHS
Relevance: 82%
-
Pelvic Floor Exercises - Using Your Pelvic Floor to Calm Down Your Bladder
Relevance: 76%
-
Pelvic Floor Exercises - Using Your Pelvic Floor to Calm Down Your Bladder
Relevance: 71%
-
Plantar Fascia Loading Exercise (High Load Exercise)
Relevance: 66%
-
Joint School - Hip Exercises
Relevance: 66%
-
Joint School - Knee Exercises
Relevance: 66%
-
Long COVID - Managing Breathlessness
Relevance: 62%
-
Breathlessness after COVID-19 - helpful techniques
Relevance: 59%
-
Neck Exercises
Relevance: 59%
-
Facial exercise programme
Relevance: 58%
-
Positioning for Breathless Patient
Relevance: 55%
-
Mat and gym ball exercises with pregnancy related Pelvic Girdle Pain
Relevance: 55%
-
How to do pelvic floor exercises | NHS
Relevance: 53%
-
Frozen shoulder Pendular Exercises
Relevance: 53%
-
ACL pre-operation exercises
Relevance: 53%
-
Knee Care Exercises
Relevance: 52%
-
Neck Care Exercises
Relevance: 49%
-
Exercises for sciatica: degenerative disc disease | NHS
Relevance: 49%
-
Falls Prevention - strength and balance exercises
Relevance: 48%
-
Neck Exercises
Relevance: 48%
-
Exercise in patients with a neuropathy
Relevance: 47%
-
Shoulder Exercises 1
Relevance: 46%
-
Elbow Eccentric Strengthening Exercise
Relevance: 44%
-
Is it safe to exercise with a cold?
Relevance: 42%
-
Exercises for sciatica: herniated or slipped disc | NHS
Relevance: 42%
-
The Pelvic Floor Muscles - Developing an Exercise Programme
Relevance: 41%
-
Physiotherapy Exercises following an Ankle Fracture
Relevance: 39%
-
Plantar Fascia Intrinsic Theraband Strengthening Exercise
Relevance: 38%
-
Eccentric loading forearm extensors (for tennis elbow)
Relevance: 36%
-
Exercises for sciatica: herniated or slipped disc | NHS
Relevance: 35%
-
ACL exercises post-operation
Relevance: 34%
-
Exercises to help your lateral hip pain
Relevance: 33%
-
Exercise Routines for Busy Parents
Relevance: 33%
-
Pilates for back pain: Standing on one leg | NHS
Relevance: 32%
-
Exercises for sciatica: piriformis syndrome | NHS
Relevance: 32%
-
Exercises for sciatica: spinal stenosis | NHS
Relevance: 31%
-
Frozen Shoulder Isometric External Rotation
Relevance: 28%
-
Pilates for back pain: Seated waist twist | NHS
Relevance: 26%
Clearing Your Chest with Breathing Exercises
Introduction to Breathing Exercises
Clearing your chest can significantly improve your respiratory health, particularly for those living in the United Kingdom, where cold and damp weather can exacerbate respiratory issues. Breathing exercises can help clear mucus, improve lung capacity, and enhance overall breathing efficiency. These exercises are simple, cost-free, and can be performed in the comfort of your home.Importance of Good Breathing Techniques
Good breathing techniques can aid in reducing shortness of breath and managing respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). It's essential to understand how to breathe correctly to ensure that your lungs are fully utilized, bringing in maximum oxygen while expelling carbon dioxide effectively.Deep Breathing Exercises
Deep breathing exercises are effective for clearing the chest. Start by sitting or lying down in a comfortable position. Breathe in slowly through your nose, allowing your chest and lower belly to rise as your lungs fill with air. Hold your breath for a count of five, and then slowly exhale through your mouth. Repeat this process for 5-10 minutes daily to help clear mucus and improve lung capacity.Pursed-Lip Breathing
Pursed-lip breathing helps keep your airways open longer, allowing air to escape your lungs more efficiently. To perform this exercise, breathe in slowly through your nose for a count of two. Purse your lips as if you are about to blow out a candle and exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of four. This technique is particularly beneficial when you feel short of breath.Diaphragmatic Breathing
Also known as belly breathing, this exercise helps strengthen your diaphragm, an essential muscle for respiration. Lie on your back with your knees bent. Place one hand on your chest and the other on your belly. Breathe in deeply through your nose, ensuring that your diaphragm inflates with enough air to create a stretch in the lungs. Exhale slowly through your mouth. Practice this for 5-10 minutes to enhance your lung capacity.Conclusion
Incorporating these breathing exercises into your daily routine can make a significant difference in clearing your chest and improving your overall respiratory health, especially in the often unpredictable UK climate. Remember, regular practice is key to achieving the best results. If you have any underlying respiratory conditions, consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new exercise regimen.Frequently Asked Questions
What are breathing exercises?
Breathing exercises are techniques designed to improve respiratory function by helping to clear mucus, strengthen respiratory muscles, and improve lung capacity.
Who can benefit from breathing exercises?
Anyone can benefit, especially individuals with respiratory conditions such as asthma, COPD, or bronchitis, as well as those recovering from respiratory infections or surgery.
How often should I perform breathing exercises?
It's generally advisable to do breathing exercises at least once or twice a day, but this can vary based on individual health needs and recommendations from a healthcare professional.
Are there any risks associated with breathing exercises?
When done correctly, breathing exercises are generally safe. However, overexertion or improper technique can cause dizziness, hyperventilation, or other issues. It’s best to consult with a healthcare professional if unsure.
Can children do breathing exercises?
Yes, children can benefit from breathing exercises, particularly if they have respiratory issues. Exercises should be age-appropriate and, if possible, supervised by an adult or healthcare provider.
What is diaphragmatic breathing?
Diaphragmatic breathing, or 'belly breathing,' involves consciously using the diaphragm to breathe, which helps increase air intake and efficiency in clearing the lungs.
How long does it take to see benefits from breathing exercises?
Many people begin to notice improvements within a few days to weeks of consistent practice, including better lung function and reduced symptoms of respiratory distress.
Can breathing exercises help with anxiety?
Yes, breathing exercises are often used in relaxation techniques to help reduce stress and anxiety, as controlled breathing can calm the nervous system.
Is it necessary to use any special equipment for breathing exercises?
Typically, no special equipment is required, but some may use tools like spirometers or incentive breathers to enhance their workouts and track progress.
Can I perform breathing exercises anywhere?
Yes, one of the benefits of breathing exercises is that they can be done almost anywhere, whether at home, in the office, or outdoors.
Are there breathing exercises specifically for asthma?
Yes, certain techniques, such as the Buteyko method and controlled nostril breathing, can help manage asthma symptoms by improving breath control and reducing hyperventilation.
What is the 'huff cough' technique?
The huff cough technique helps clear mucus from the airways by using a series of shorter, gentle coughs, which are less strenuous than traditional coughing.
How do I know if I’m doing the breathing exercises correctly?
Proper form is crucial. Guidance from a respiratory therapist or watching instructional videos can ensure correct technique. Signs of improper technique include dizziness, pain, or worsening symptoms.
Do breathing exercises improve lung capacity?
Yes, regular practice of breathing exercises can help improve lung capacity and overall respiratory efficiency over time.
Where can I find resources to learn more about breathing exercises?
Resources include NHS websites, respiratory health organisations, instructional videos, and consultations with healthcare providers such as GPs or respiratory therapists.
Useful Links
Useful links from: Long Covid
- NHS - Long-term effects of coronavirus (Long COVID) This page provides information from the NHS on the long-term effects of COVID-19, commonly referred to as Long COVID. It includes details on symptoms, how to manage them, and when to seek medical advice.
- Long COVID Support Long COVID Support is a UK-based charity offering information, advocacy, and support for individuals experiencing Long COVID. They provide resources, community support, and work on increasing awareness and research.
- NIHR - Long Covid The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) page on Long COVID provides updates on research, studies, and funding opportunities related to Long COVID, helping to advance understanding and treatment of the condition.
- Action for ME - Post-COVID Syndrome and ME/CFS Action for ME provides support and information for people with ME/CFS and those who are experiencing Post-COVID Syndrome. They offer guidance on managing symptoms and advocate for better services and research funding.
Useful links from: Chest infection: what should I do?
- NHS - Chest Infection Comprehensive guide by the NHS on understanding chest infections, their symptoms, treatments, and when to seek medical help.
- British Lung Foundation - Chest Infections Information provided by the British Lung Foundation on causes, symptoms, and management of chest infections.
- NHS Inform - Chest Infection NHS Inform offers detailed information on chest infections, including self-care tips, and when to seek further medical advice.
- Asthma + Lung UK - Respiratory Infections Asthma + Lung UK's advice on managing respiratory infections, including chest infections, particularly for those with existing lung conditions.
Useful links from: Bronchiolitis and chest infections in young children - Prof Steve Turner
- NHS - Bronchiolitis in Children This page on the NHS website provides comprehensive information about bronchiolitis in children, including symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
- NHS - Chest Infections in Children Detailed overview from the NHS on chest infections in children, covering symptoms, treatments, and when to seek medical attention.
- Asthma + Lung UK - Bronchiolitis Asthma + Lung UK provides advice and information regarding bronchiolitis in young children, focusing on symptoms, management, and care.
- Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) - Parent and Carer Resources The RCPCH offers a bronchiolitis care pathway guide aimed at parents and carers, providing practical information and support for managing the condition in young children.
Useful links from: Chest clearance techniques
- NHS: Chest Physiotherapy Official NHS page detailing chest physiotherapy techniques, which can help clear mucus and improve breathing.
- British Lung Foundation: Chest Clearance Techniques British Lung Foundation provides information on various chest clearance techniques and how they can assist with respiratory conditions.
- Asthma UK: Clearing Mucus from the Lungs Asthma UK offers guidance on different methods to clear mucus from the lungs for better respiratory health.
- Cystic Fibrosis Trust: Airway Clearance Techniques Cystic Fibrosis Trust explains airway clearance techniques tailored for individuals with cystic fibrosis to help maintain lung health.
Have you found an error, or do you have a link or some information you would like to share? Please let us know using the form below.
- Ergsy carfully checks the information in the videos we provide here.
- Videos shown by Youtube after a video has completed, have NOT been reviewed by ERGSY.
- To view, click the arrow in centre of video.
- Most of the videos you find here will have subtitles and/or closed captions available.
- You may need to turn these on, and choose your preferred language.
- Go to the video you'd like to watch.
- If closed captions (CC) are available, settings will be visible on the bottom right of the video player.
- To turn on Captions, click settings .
- To turn off Captions, click settings again.