Active cycle breathing is a breathing technique often used to help clear mucus from the airways in people with respiratory conditions like COPD, CHF, asthma or cystic fibrosis. It involves a series of controlled breathing patterns. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Relaxed Breathing (Breathing Control):
Sit or lie down comfortably.
Breathe in slowly and gently through your nose, filling your lungs about halfway.
Then exhale slowly and gently through your mouth. Focus on relaxing your chest and shoulders as you do this.
Repeat this step for a few minutes until you feel calm and in control.
Deep Breathing (Thoracic Expansion):
Take a slow, deep breath in through your nose, allowing your chest to expand fully.
Hold the breath for a few seconds.
Exhale slowly through your mouth.
Repeat this step several times to promote deep breathing and lung expansion.
Forced Expiratory Technique (FET):
Take a slightly deeper than normal breath in through your nose.
Exhale forcefully and completely through your mouth, as if you're blowing out a candle.
This step helps to move mucus from the smaller airways toward the larger ones.
Controlled Coughing:
Take a medium-sized breath in through your nose.
Use your stomach muscles to make a controlled cough.
This type of cough helps to bring mucus up without straining your airways.
Repeat Steps 1-4:
Repeat the above steps for several cycles, alternating between relaxed breathing, deep breathing, FET, and controlled coughing.
Repeat as Necessary:
Perform the active cycle breathing technique as often as your healthcare provider recommends or as needed to help clear mucus from your airways.
Remember to always consult with provider before beginning any new exercise including respiratory therapy -Reach out to your nurse at Family Home Care Group for detailed instructions and tools.