Which breathing technique is commonly used by patients with emphysema to prevent airway collapse?

Which breathing technique is commonly used by patients with emphysema to prevent airway collapse?

• A. Diaphragmatic breathing
• B. Pursed lip breathing
• C. Huff coughing
• D. Rapid panting

Answer: (B)

Airways tend to collapse during exhalation in emphysema, which traps air and makes breathing work harder. A technique that creates a slight back-pressure during exhalation helps keep those small airways open. Pursed lip breathing does this by exhaling through lightly pressed lips, which adds resistance and maintains positive pressure in the airways as air leaves. Slowing the exhalation and extending the expiratory phase reduces air trapping and makes breathing easier, improving comfort and gas exchange for someone with emphysema. Diaphragmatic breathing focuses on using the diaphragm to improve overall ventilation but doesn’t specifically prevent airway collapse during exhalation. Huff coughing is aimed at moving mucus rather than preventing airway collapse. Rapid panting increases breathing rate and can worsen air trapping and dyspnea.

Airways tend to collapse during exhalation in emphysema, which traps air and makes breathing work harder. A technique that creates a slight back-pressure during exhalation helps keep those small airways open. Pursed lip breathing does this by exhaling through lightly pressed lips, which adds resistance and maintains positive pressure in the airways as air leaves. Slowing the exhalation and extending the expiratory phase reduces air trapping and makes breathing easier, improving comfort and gas exchange for someone with emphysema.

Diaphragmatic breathing focuses on using the diaphragm to improve overall ventilation but doesn’t specifically prevent airway collapse during exhalation. Huff coughing is aimed at moving mucus rather than preventing airway collapse. Rapid panting increases breathing rate and can worsen air trapping and dyspnea.