Recovering your breath is a vital part of your journey. This guide offers expert advice and practical exercises designed to support your breathing recovery after a period of critical illness.
How Illness Affects Breathing
Critical illness can weaken your primary breathing muscles due to reduced use. These muscles include:
- The Diaphragm: The dome-shaped muscle between your chest and abdomen.
- Intercostal Muscles: The muscles between your ribs that facilitate chest expansion.
Reliance on a ventilator during your illness means the machine did the work for you, leading to muscle atrophy and a higher risk of chest infections as the natural filtering of your nose and mouth was bypassed.
Physiotherapy Goals
Physiotherapists in the ICU focus on:
- Enhancing oxygen flow to muscles.
- Strengthening weakened lung tissue.
- Facilitating effective coughing to clear mucus and prevent infection.
Managing Breathlessness
Feeling short of breath during simple activities is common and can be alarming. Use these strategies to regain control:
Pacing
Break tasks into smaller steps and rest frequently between movements.
Handheld Fan
A gentle flow of air across your face can help ease the sensation of breathlessness.
Positions
Leaning forward or using walking aids can reduce the strain on your upper body.
Active Cycle of Breathing Technique (ACBT)
This three-stage technique helps clear mucus and rebuild lung function. Perform this 2-4 times a day in a comfortable sitting or side-lying position.
Breathing Control
Relax your shoulders. Focus on gentle, diaphragmatic breathing to calm your system.
Deep Breathing
Inhale slowly through your nose, hold for a moment, and exhale gently to expand the lungs.
Huffing
Exhale forcefully through an open mouth (like fogging a mirror) to move mucus up and out.
Activity & Progress
Fatigue is typical after critical illness. Gradually increase activity levels, using your ability to hold a conversation as a guide—if you can't speak, you may be overexerting.
Additional Resources & Support
- Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Respiratory Care
- British Lung Foundation
- Derriford Hospital ACBT Instructional Video
Created by Catherine White, Eleanor Douglas, and Ashley Quinn. Provided by ICUsteps, a charity dedicated to supporting ICU recovery.
Visit ICUsteps