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You might have encountered the following video detailing a breathing method for COVID-19 patients. In this footage, Sarfaraz Munshi, a doctor at Queen’s Hospital in the UK, explains a technique designed to assist those battling COVID-19.
“When dealing with an active infection, it’s crucial to ensure sufficient air reaches the lower parts of your lungs,” Munshi explains in the video.
The breathing exercise he recommends is a widely recognized method, beneficial for various conditions, and effective in removing excess fluid from the lungs. Notably, this technique has been recently adopted by JK Rowling and Christopher Cuomo to help alleviate their symptoms.
Remaining on your back for extended durations raises the likelihood of developing pneumonia
“This technique is beneficial for any condition that results in excessive mucus buildup,” explains Albert Rizzo, MD, the chief medical officer of the American Lung Association. This applies to COVID-19 patients, as they often experience breathing difficulties, with pneumonia being a frequent complication.
As Munshi highlights in the video, staying on your back in bed for too long heightens the risk of pneumonia, which can exacerbate your condition.
“Prolonged inactivity causes mucus to accumulate deep within your lungs,” Rizzo states.
Practicing breathing exercises can aid in clearing your lungs
To address this issue, Munshi recommends specific breathing exercises that can assist in clearing your lungs, a practice also endorsed by Rizzo as beneficial.
“This technique is effective in enhancing your lungs’ capacity to remove secretions,” Rizzo explains.
Munshi’s guidance, in summary, involves taking several deep breaths followed by a deliberate cough. For each inhalation, hold the breath for five seconds before exhaling. On the sixth breath, inhale, hold for five seconds, then, while covering your mouth, cough forcefully to clear your airways.
“The final cough helps mobilize secretions,” Rizzo notes. “This action loosens mucus, directing it toward the center of the chest.”
Repeat this process once more, then lie face-down with a pillow in front of you, taking deep breaths for ten minutes. Additionally, avoid prolonged periods on your back, as this can block smaller airways.
“A word of caution: avoid performing this too quickly, as it may lead to hyperventilation and dizziness,” Rizzo advises. “Proceed at a pace that feels comfortable for you.”
Lying on your stomach aids in expelling mucus through coughing
The final step, which involves lying on your stomach with a pillow in front of you and taking deep breaths, is referred to as postural drainage. This technique uses gravity to draw mucus toward the center of your chest, making it easier to cough out. For patients who spend extended periods on their backs, mucus can accumulate at the base of the lungs, negatively impacting breathing.
