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URL of this page: //medlineplus.gov/ency/imagepages/19984.htm
Pursed lip breathing
Overview
How to do pursed lip breathing. 1. Breathe in (inhale) slowly through your nose for 2 counts. 2. Feel your belly gets larger as you breathe in. 3. Pucker your lips, as if you were going to whistle or blow out a candle. 4. Breathe out (exhale) slowly through your lips for 4 or more counts. 5. Exhale normally. Do not force air out. Do not hold your breath when you are doing pursed lip breathing. 6. Repeat these steps until your breathing slows.
Review Date 1/14/2026
Updated by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor Emeritus, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
