If you have COPD, your body has a hard time getting enough oxygen because of the damage that has been done to your lungs. Following instructions from your Doctor regarding taking your prescriptions, and utilizing oxygen therapy are incredibly important for maintaining adequate oxygen levels. Besides following your medical orders, there are a few other ways to help increase your oxygen levels.
Oxygen therapy is one of the most common treatments for maintaining your oxygen levels. In conjunction with an oxygen therapy regiment, your doctor might also refer you to pulmonary rehabilitation. At pulmonary rehabilitation you will learn a variety breathing and exercise techniques that can help to boost your oxygen levels naturally while being closely monitored by medical professionals. Many of the techniques taught to you can be used in everyday life, so that you may remain active longer and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
If you go to pulmonary rehabilitation, you will most likely start practicing pursed-lip breathing and diaphragmatic breathing. Pursed lip breathing is used to help ease shortness of breath while diaphragmatic breathing helps to train the diaphragm for more efficient and deeper breathing so that more oxygen can enter the lungs.
Below we will outline the steps to familiarize yourself with these two simple breathing techniques. Be sure to ask a medical professional before exercising and conducting pulmonary rehab techniques by yourself to make sure they are right for you.
Simple Pursed Breathing Technique
While sitting down or taking a leisurely walk, breathe in through your nose as deeply as you can. Purse your lips and try to exhale longer than you inhaled. This will help ensure that you are bringing in enough oxygen while expelling the carbon dioxide trapped in your lungs. You should also do pursed lip breathing while you are relaxing, 2 or 3 times a day, or when you feel winded.
Getting Started with Diaphragmatic Breathing
Lie on your back with your head supported by a pillow, and your knees bent. Put one hand on your upper chest and the other right below your rib cage, so you can feel your diaphragm moving to make sure you are doing this effectively. Breathe in slowly through your nose, and make sure only your hand under your rib cage is moving. The one on your upper chest can move slightly, but not nearly as much as the other. When you’re ready to exhale, purse your lips and tighten your stomach muscles while you breathe out. This strengthens your diaphragm and trains it to help you breathe deeper. Practice this for three times a day, 5 to 10 minutes each time.
Remember, these are only outlines of the techniques many people use during pulmonary rehabilitation. If you have questions on how to conduct these exercises speak with your licensed physician or respiratory therapist.
Scott joined American Medical Sales and Rentals in 2008 as a Web Manager and Content Writer. He is a writer and designer. He is extensively trained on oxygen therapy products from leading manufacturers such as Inogen, Respironics, Chart, Invacare, ResMed and more.
Scott works closely with respiratory therapists and oxygen specialists to educate the community about oxygen therapy products, COPD, asthma and lung diseases. He writes weekly columns and is passionate about educating the community on oxygen therapy and respiratory issues.
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Scott Ridlhttps://www.oxygenconcentratorstore.com/blog/author/scott/
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Scott Ridlhttps://www.oxygenconcentratorstore.com/blog/author/scott/
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Scott Ridlhttps://www.oxygenconcentratorstore.com/blog/author/scott/
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Scott Ridlhttps://www.oxygenconcentratorstore.com/blog/author/scott/
Recently placed on oxygen with emphazema and my question is: Is it recommended to use an
exercise bike while taking oxygen. ? Does it induce more oxygen into the system?
Thank you for your question, Vincent. For your question to be answered you will need to speak with your doctor. Your doctor will have inside information into your medical condition and oxygen requirements. Speak with your doctor and inquire if using an exercise bike is safe for your individual medical condition.
Hi, I would like to know that my father had COVID 19 and now his PCR test negative (No Virus detected) so when he was admitted to Medical ICU almost 1 week 4 days ago his Oxygen Saturation was below 80, and now his oxygen saturation (without oxygen support) is 87’88 so, please describe me and guide me when will he fully recovered and besides the medication what else should I do for his quick recovery.
Thanks
Muhammad Ali
Hi Muhammad, we cannot give medical advice. Please contact your healthcare provider for the same as they are the medical experts to assess his situation.
Hoping for his quick recovery.
I thank you from the core of my heart for most valuable exercises at this juncture of life.I am 11 days younger to Amitabh Bachhsn G.
Many thanks for the excellent advice on how to improve Saturation. I ave immediately started the breathing exercises as advised.. Sounds sensible to me and feel confident it will work and improve not only my breathing, but also my blood circulation relative to my ulcerated blisters on my feet
Thanks for the feedback! Glad you found it helpful. Good luck and check back in and let us know how it is going.
Thank you so much for sharing this awesome article about breathing exercises. I love this article from the core of my heart. I hope you will post this type of helpful content in the future.
Why are there different opinions of this new Delta COViD and putting patients in a coma like base or as they put it. Under heavy Sedation? And then out on Ventilator’s?? I am just asking because these are rumors and I have had very close friends of mine die from this SARS-COVID- Delta- flu
I’M a 75 year old woman with stage 2 lung cancer. My oximeter level ranges from 96 to 99. How can this be?
SpO2% between 96 and 99 is in the normal range. If you think the oximeter is dysfunctional, please try another one. For any other medical concerns please contact your medical provider.
Can someone explain how they shower with a nasal cannula?
I have a hook suctioned to the wall and hang the tubing on it. I use a shower stool and don’t have any problems.
Thanks for the suggestion.
I just leave my cannula on when I shower. Doesn’t seem to hurt anything, and with the cannula in I get my additional O2.
Is a level of 85 o.k.?
An oxygen saturation (SpO2) level of 85% is lower than the normal range, which typically falls between 95% and 100% for healthy individuals at sea level. A SpO2 level of 85% indicates that your blood is not carrying as much oxygen as it should, which can be concerning and may suggest that your body is not receiving adequate oxygen. You should consult a healthcare professional who can assess your overall health and provide appropriate guidance and treatment.
I do it all the time. Wearing the cannula during showering so far has given me no known problems. If I don’t wear it my oxygen levels can drop into the 70s. I either bring it over or under the shower curtain.
Doesn’t shower water get into cannula & tubing & is that ok?
Shower water should not get into the cannula or tubing of your oxygen delivery system. It’s important to keep the tubing and cannula dry to prevent any moisture from interfering with the flow of oxygen. If water does accidentally get into the tubing or cannula, it’s best to thoroughly dry them before using them again.
I’d also suggest to look into small water-trap device that attaches to you tubing and prevents water from getting into your unit.