Pursed lip breathing

How to do pursed lip breathing:

1. Breath in (inhale) slowly through your nose for 2 counts.

2. Feel your belly get larger as you breathe in.

3. Pucker your lips, as if you were going to whistle or blow out a candle.

4. Breathe out (exhale) slowly through your lips for 4 or more counts.

Exhale normally. Do not force air out. Do not hold your breath when you are doing pursed lip breathing. Repeat these steps until your breathing slows.

Update Date: 2/14/2009

Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine.

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