Covid-19 advice: 3 breathing exercises to help your lungs work better, increase oxygen levels

As the pandemic unleashes a dark reality, hospitals all over the country raise alarm over a shortage of oxygen cylinders and other supplies. With emergency rooms overflowing at hospitals, many health experts are sharing tips to help manage the infection at home.  

As the coronavirus attacks the lungs and respiratory system the hardest in most cases, here are some breathing exercises that can help your lungs work more efficiently. 

PURSED LIP BREATHING

Pursed lip breathing can allow your airways to open up more, facilitating a steady flow of oxygen into the lungs.  

1. Sit up straight
2. Breathe in slowly and deeply through the nose
3. Purse your lips
4. Breathe out through the mouth in a steady, controlled way
5. Repeat this 3 to 5 times in a sitting and the entire exercise can be done 3 times a day

DIAPHRAGMATIC BREATHING 

Diaphragmatic or belly breathing is an exercise recommended by the American Lung Association to improve the rate at which your lungs expand and contract. This exercise focuses on strengthening the diaphragm muscle.  

1. You can do this sitting up or lying down
2. Place your hands lightly on your stomach
3. Breathe in through the nose, paying attention to how far your stomach rises
4. Breath out through pursed lips, again noting the contraction of your stomach
5. Repeat the same exercise, trying to get the stomach to rise higher than it did with the previous breath
6. You can do this breathing flow for up to 15 minutes at a time

PRONAL BREATHING

Proning or prone breathing has been recommended by the Health Ministry as a way to improve breathing and oxygenation. As the largest part of your lungs sits on your back, it can be helpful to practice deep breathing while lying on your stomach.  

1. Begin by lying on your stomach. Rest your head on your hands or turn it over on any side 
2. Close your lips and place your tongue on the roof of your mouth
3. Breathe in through your nose and slowly, exhale from your mouth
4. Try to focus on your stomach pushing down and going up as you breathe
5. You can add some pillows under your chest to make this more comfortable
6. According to medical guidelines, you can prone for up to 16 hours a day, in multiple cycles, if it helps your breathing

Disclaimer: editorji does not provide medical advice. The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained in this story are for informational purposes only. No material in this video is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have related to Covid-19.