What it means
Breathing out against the narrow opening of the lips keeps a little pressure in the airways, so they stay open longer and trapped air can leave. It also slows the breathing rate. It is taught to people with COPDsee-oh-pee-dee (said as letters)Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a long-term lung disease that makes it hard to move air out of the lungs.chronic long-lastingobstructive blockingpulmon/o lung-ary relating toFull entry and others who get short of breath, and some people do it on their own.
For the nurse
Teach the client to breathe in through the nose for a count of about two, then out through pursed lips for a count of four or more, making the breath out about twice as long as the breath in. Use it during activity and when breathless.
At a glance
| Also written | pursed lip breathing, pursed-lips breathing |
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Related terms
dyspnea
Difficult or labored breathing, or the feeling of not getting enough air.
COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a long-term lung disease that makes it hard to move air out of the lungs.
emphysema
A long-term lung disease in which the walls of the tiny air sacs are damaged and lose their stretch.