During winter, flu cases tend to increase due to the greater circulation of the Influenza virus and people staying indoors. It is an acute infection of the respiratory system that affects the nose, throat and lungs, and can cause symptoms such as fever, cough, body pain and difficulty breathing in some cases.

In this context, breathing exercises performed at home can be allies in recovery and preventing complications. According to the coordinator of the Physiotherapy course at Faculdade Unopar, Prof. Luiz Otavio Davanso, they contribute to improving blood oxygenation, promoting the mobilization of secretions, as well as working on expanding the lungs.

“It is necessary to make it very clear that exercise does not prevent new contamination, however the use of these techniques helps with lung function and helps to clear the lower and upper airways”, he states. Furthermore, he warns that nothing replaces the evaluation of a specialized professional and that more serious conditions should not be neglected.

For the recovery of simple cases, Prof. Luiz Otavio Davanso recommends three respiratory physiotherapeutic exercises, which can be performed in series of ten repetitions, up to twice a day. Check it out!

1. Inspiration in three strokes

For this exercise, it is recommended that the air be inspired in three intervals, until as much as possible is absorbed. “Perform the opening of your arms in three steps, following each breath. After complete opening, hold the air for two seconds”, teaches the physiotherapist. The activity takes the lungs to their full capacity and, consequently, generates ventilation in areas that are not reached when breathing normally.

2. Diaphragmatic breathing

Another technique recommended by the specialist is breathing diaphragmatic. “Place one hand on the chest and the other on the abdomen, close to the navel. At this point, control your breathing and allow only the belly to move, just like children’s breathing”, advises Prof. Luiz Otavio Davanso. He explains that the diaphragm is the main breathing muscle. “This movement helps to reduce heart rate, combating stress and helping the person to relax”, he adds.

3. Bubbling

With the help of a glass of water and a straw, it is possible to mobilize secretions found in the lower regions of the lung through vibration caused by bubbling. “Inhale and hold the oxygen for three seconds. Then, exhale all the air through the straw, making bubbles for as long as possible, to transport all the substances that are in the chest”, he explains. If the force of the activity causes constant dizziness, you need to stop and see a professional.

By Deiwerson Damasceno dos Santos