Stacked breathing, or breath stacking, is a technique meant to expand lung capacity and foster a productive cough. The ALS Clinic of McMaster University Medical Centre in Hamilton, Canada, explains that this methodology helps those in danger of losing lung capacity due to illness, such as chronic bronchitis or emphysema. The goal is to inflate the lower lobes of the lungs to strengthen both the tissue and chest wall. Stacked breathing is an assisted exercise, but a modified version will also help improve deep breathing for those recovering from surgery or suffering from a respiratory illness. Stacked breathing is not meant to replace medical care. If you are short of breath, see a doctor to determine the cause before trying stacked breathing exercises.
The Respiratory System
The respiratory system works to oxygenate blood and remove carbon dioxide. The lungs encase tiny air sacs, alveoli, which expand when air enters the body. Deep breaths inflate the majority of alveoli, even in the bottom regions of the lungs. In a healthy individual, deep breathing is a straightforward process. Those with an illness may have difficulty maintaining normal air volume and can no longer inhale deeply. This causes problems in the structures of the respiratory system. Alveoli that don't expand tend to lose flexibility. Chest wall muscles can tighten and weaken. Stacked breathing is designed to address this air volume problem.
Assisted Breath Stacking
Assisted breath stacking is a mechanical technique that helps you expand the lungs fully. Those who need this treatment are unable to pull air into the deep regions of the lungs. ALS Clinic of McMaster University Medical Centre describes the device used to force air into the lungs as a modified resuscitator. This is a bag that pushes air into the lungs. The modification adds a one-way valve, extension tube and specialized mouthpiece to the unit. Sit upright in a comfortable chair and inhale as deeply as possible. Hold the breath. Place the bag over your face and squeeze. This action forces more air on top of what is already in the lungs. Repeat the process until you feel your chest expand fully. This indicates maximum tidal volume, the medical term for air volume. Hold your breath as long you as possible and then exhale. Follow the advice of your respiratory therapist regarding how often and how many repetitions to perform.
Unassisted Breath Stacking
A variation of this method can be done without a resuscitator but only works if you are able to expand your lungs without assistance. Unassisted stacking is a relaxation technique and also helps to increase lung capacity. Sit in a comfortable chair or stand. Take a couple of deep cleansing breaths. Inhale through the nose. Hold the breath for three seconds and exhale slowly through the mouth. When you are ready, inhale until you feel the chest expand slightly, hold the breath for two seconds without exhaling, then breathe in again. Repeat the process one more time and then exhale slowly through the mouth.
Assisted Cough
A consequence of reduced lung function is the buildup of fluid, resulting in pulmonary edema. Fluid in the lungs is secondary to another illness, such as pneumonia or heart disease. To clear the lungs, you must cough. This is not always possible if you are sick. Assisted coughing uses stacked breathing to force a cough. Inhale as you would during a stacked breathing exercise, whether assisted or not. Instead of exhaling normally, cough. As you do, have an assistant press just under your rib cage. This applies additional pressure to the lungs to promote a productive cough. Only do this exercise on an empty stomach. The pressure under the rib cage should be assertive but applied with caution so as not to cause injury. When doing an assisted cough exercise, sit in a chair with the back against the wall. This will keep the chair from toppling during the abdominal thrust.
