Common Treatments To Reduce Lung Hyperinflation

Bronchodilators

Bronchodilators are a type of medication that relax the muscle bands surrounding the airways. When these bands tighten, they can lead to restricted breathing, and if they obstruct an airway entirely, they may be the cause of lung hyperinflation. A bronchodilator medication opens a patient's airway to allow the easier flow of air to and from the lungs. In addition, the medication helps dislodge and move mucus out of the patient's lungs, where it can be coughed up.

The majority of individuals with asthma are prescribed bronchodilators. Short-acting forms of the medicine are used during acute attacks for fast relief, while long-acting medicines may be taken each day to prevent asthma attacks. A bronchodilator is a treatment option for lung hyperinflation only if the underlying cause is airway obstruction due to muscle band tightening.

Pursed-Lip Breathing

One of the first recommended treatments for lung hyperinflation is breathing strategies like pursed-lip breathing. This is an ideal option for most individuals experiencing lung hyperinflation because it can be done immediately, it's non-invasive, and it doesn't involve medications with potential side effects. If breathing exercises aren't enough to relieve the symptoms, doctors may recommend other forms of treatment. The first thing for patients to do during this method of treatment is to slow their breathing and make it as deep as they can.

Once they've gotten comfortable doing that, patients should hold their breath for short periods. If they're having trouble doing so, even an interval as short as one second can improve respiratory function. After holding, patients should make a pursed 'O' with their mouth and slowly breathe the air out. It helps to use counting rhythms. As the patient's lung function improves, they can increase the amount of time they inhale and exhale.