What is pursued lip breathing?

Pursed lip breathing is a technique that involves inhaling deeply through the nose and then exhaling slowly and gently through pursed lips. This method creates a slight resistance during exhalation, which helps to prolong the breath and improve the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs. It is particularly useful for individuals with conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as it can assist in breathing more effectively and may help to ease shortness of breath.

In contrast, while increasing oxygen intake, promoting relaxation, or managing panic attacks may be benefits of proper breathing techniques, these aspects do not specifically identify the characteristic technique of pursed lip breathing as accurately as describing the action of forming the lips into a pouting position during exhalation.