Which breathing technique helps COPD patients by prolonging expiration and reducing bronchial collapse?

• A. Pursed-lip breathing
• B. Diaphragmatic breathing
• C. Huff coughing
• D. Incentive spirometry

Answer: (A)

Pursed-lip breathing is the technique that helps COPD patients by prolonging expiration and reducing bronchial collapse. In COPD, airways tend to collapse during exhalation, trapping air and making breathing difficult. Exhaling through lightly pursed lips creates a small amount of backpressure in the airways, which slows the exhalation, keeps the small airways open longer, and lengthens the expiratory phase. This reduces air trapping, lowers the work of breathing, and often eases dyspnea.

To use it, inhale calmly through the nose, then exhale slowly through pursed lips, aiming for an exhale longer than the inhale and a relaxed, controlled rhythm.

Diaphragmatic breathing improves diaphragmatic efficiency and reduces accessory muscle use but doesn’t specifically prolong expiration to prevent airway collapse. Huff coughing is primarily a secretion-clearing technique that involves a forceful exhale with the glottis open, not a method to prevent airway collapse. Incentive spirometry encourages deep breaths to prevent postoperative atelectasis and is not tailored to the expiratory backpressure COPD relies on.