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Deep Breathing Exercises for Pleural Effusion Removal

Pleural effusion is a condition whereby fluid accumulates in the tissue lining the chest and the lungs. This can be caused by abnormal fluid leakage in the blood vessels, resulting from underlying diseases such as lung cancer or congestive heart failure. While treatment of the underlying condition is normally the only "cure" for pleural effusion, those afflicted can nevertheless minimize symptoms by performing regulated breathing exercises.

  1. Breathing and Coughing

    • According to the medical experts at drugs.com, combining deep breathing with regular coughing is a technique to minimize symptoms and prevent further lung infections when diagnosed with pleural effusion. To accomplish this, breath in as deeply as you are able. Hold the breath for as long as possible, then release the air from your body by emitting a strong cough (or series of coughs). This will help breakup fluid and provide a maximal level of oxygen to your body. Ideally, aim to repeat this exercise 10 times in a row, repeating one "set" every single hour of the day.

    Belly Breathing

    • Another way to facilitate deep breathing comes from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. While this exercise is not specific to treating pleural effusion, it may still help reduce your symptoms and alleviate some pain. While lying on your back, place your hands on either side of your abdomen at the bottom of your ribcage. Breath slowly and deeply into your stomach, using the full capacity of your diaphragm. You should feel your hands raise upwards as you breath in and descend as you breath out. Continue this exercise unabated for 15 to 20 minutes, aiming to relax your body as you do so. Over time, you should notice your breaths becoming longer and finer throughout.

    Working Through the Pain

    • While one common symptom of pleural effusion is localized pain in the chest during periods of deep breathing, understand that you will have to work through the pain to effectuate any kind of lasting relief. Start these exercises slowly, breathing only deep enough to reach your pain threshold, but aiming to increase the depth and duration of your breath over time as you learn to manage the discomfort. Although combining deep breathing with Pleural Effusion is certainly not easy, working through the pain can help you find some measure of lasting relief, so remain vigilant.

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