Why controlled breathing?
When you are short of breath, your breathing can become too fast, too shallow, or jerky. Because of this you may not get as much air into your lungs as is possible. ‘Controlled breathing’ (sometimes called ‘pursed lips breathing’) will help you to get as much air as possible to your lungs. This may help to ease shortness of breath. It is one way to slow your breathing rate and to make each breath as effective as possible. It can be helpful to learn the technique when you are relaxed. Perhaps practise the technique 4-5 times a day at first. You can then use it whenever you get short of breath, or when you have to do an activity that causes you to be short of breath, such as when climbing stairs.
