Breathing techniques to relieve symptoms of the coronavirus (covid

Shortness of breath is one of the common symptoms of COVID-19. Some people who experience these symptoms end up trying certain breathing techniques to relieve the symptoms, including J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter books.

Is the breathing technique mentioned by the famous author effective in dealing with the coronavirus (COVID-19)?

Are there specific breathing techniques to relieve symptoms of COVID-19?

Recently, J.K. Rowling said that there are breathing techniques that help her deal with symptoms of shortness of breath similar to the coronavirus (COVID-19).

In his tweet, there is a video of this British hospital doctor, describing how to control coughs. Starting from taking deep breaths to covering your mouth and coughing to control.

Then, what is the breathing technique called J.K. Rowling can help relieve the symptoms of the coronavirus?

The breathing technique demonstrated by dr. Sarfaraz Munshi from Queen's Hospital in England can indeed help relieve shortness of breath that is often experienced by coronavirus patients.

However, there are no studies that prove that this method can be used by patients infected with a virus that attacks the respiratory system.

Controlling cough called by J.K. Rowling is actually quite helpful for cystic fibrosis sufferers. Cystic fibrosis is a congenital disorder that causes severe damage to the lungs, digestive system, and other organs in the baby's body.

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You see, human lung cells produce sticky mucus as part of the body's defense system. If the lungs are infected with viruses, especially SARS-CoV-2 or influenza, mucus production will increase. This mucus from the lungs aims to "trap" invading pathogens.

Generally, this mucus will be expelled from the lungs like tiny hairs moving in the airways. Hence, when a person coughs, the mucus can be expelled as phlegm or be swallowed.

The lungs can produce a lot of mucus, making it difficult to breathe. This is because mucus blocks the small airways which prevents the body from getting oxygen from the lungs.

In diseases such as cystic fibrosis, a controlled cough can indeed help clear mucus and make it easier for you to breathe.

However, there is no research that proves that this breathing technique can be used to relieve symptoms of the coronavirus.

Can this method still be tried?

Actually, trying the breathing technique recommended by the doctor from England to relieve symptoms of the coronavirus is not a problem. However, there is a risk that is quite worrying because that method can accidentally spread the virus.

When you cough, the body produces mucus droplets from the lungs which can spread or splash from the mouth. As a result, the water splashes that are quite a lot and contain a virus can infect other people.

For example, when someone coughs, the splash from the mouth that sticks to the hand can indirectly transfer to objects or surfaces that other people touch.

Your shortness of breath may improve, but when done in close proximity to other people, there is a significant risk of spreading it.

When a COVID-19 positive patient is hospitalized, they will be placed in a special room where the air is not polluted. Patients are also required to wear a mask to absorb water splashes when coughing, while medical personnel wear personal protective equipment (PPE).

Here's a breathing technique to relieve shortness of breath

In fact, the breathing technique that is said to relieve the symptoms of the coronavirus is more suitable for people who often experience shortness of breath due to lung infections.

People with cystic fibrosis, chronic bronchitis, and chronic asthma may have used this method frequently when they have trouble breathing.

If you experience the same condition and want to use this technique, it's best not to do it near other people and it's better to use a mask.

In addition, don't forget to take various ways to prevent transmission of COVID-19, such as washing your hands and keeping your distance.

This aims to reduce the risk of spreading because water splashes from the throat can stay on the surface.

Controlling cough

One of the breathing techniques that can relieve shortness of breath such as the symptoms of coronavirus is to control coughs.

Reporting from the Baltimore Washington Medical Center, frequent coughing can block the airways and make it difficult for you to breathe.

If you try a cough control method, your lungs will loosen up again and carry mucus through the airways without getting in any way. This method is also believed to save oxygen, especially when you cough. Here are the steps.

1. Sit on a chair with your feet flat on the floor and lean forward
2. Fold your arms over your stomach and inhale slowly through your nose
3. Lean forward slightly and exhale while pressing your arms against your stomach
4. Open your mouth slightly and cough two to three times
5. Try not to make the cough too long
6. Inhale gently through your nose
7. Break

Regulate breathing

In addition to trying to control your cough when you feel short of breath, there are other breathing techniques that may help with coronavirus-like symptoms, namely catching your breath.

The main focus of catching your breath is breathing gently with minimal effort.

1. Sit in a comfortable position
2. Place your hands on your ribs or on your stomach
3. Try to feel the movement of the ribs or stomach up and down as you breathe
4. Inhale through your nose and out of your mouth
5. Try to breathe in a slow, comfortable rhythm

Although the two breathing techniques above may help relieve shortness of breath which is similar to the symptoms of coronavirus, try to check with your doctor first.