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The Active Breathing Cycle

The Active Breathing Cycle is a simple pattern of breathing to:

•	Loosen and clear secretions
•	Improve ventilation

This informaton page is intended to remind you what you should have been taught by your Respiratory Nurse or Physiotherapist

The Parts of the Active Breathing Cycle

Breathing control

This is normal gentle breathing using the lower chest, with relaxation of the upper chest and shoulders. It helps you to relax between the deep breathing and huffing.

Deep breathing

These are slow deep breaths in followed by a three second hold with a relaxed breath out. Three to four deep breaths are enough.

Huffing

This is a medium sized breath in, followed by a fast breath out through an open mouth, using the muscles of the chest and stomach to force the breath out. This will move secretions along the airways to a point where you can cough them up. Huffing is a less tiring way of clearing your secretions than coughing.

Coughing

This should follow two or three huffs OR a deep breathe in. Don’t cough unless secretions are ready to be cleared.

The Active Breathing Cycle

A flexible technique that can be varied to suit you.

What position should I adopt to practice this breathing technique?

You can use this method of breathing in whatever position you find is most comfortable, or seems to clear most secretions, for example, sitting in a chair, lying on your side, or ‘tipped’ if this helps.

What other techniques can I use with the Active Breathing Cycle?

It is often beneficial to ‘hold’ for three seconds at the end of one or all of the deep breaths. If your physiotherapist advises, you (or a helper) can ‘clap’ your chest while you breathe out.

How long and how often should I spend doing it?

•	If you have a chronic respiratory condition but you are very well, ten minutes will be long enough to ventilate your lungs and clear any secretions.
•	You can do it as long as you are clearing any secretions but twenty minutes is usually long enough for any one treatment.
•	If you have an infection and your cough is more productive than usual, you will need to practice the cycle more often during the day.

These are general guidelines. If your physiotherapist suggests changes to the Active Cycle of Breathing, please follow their advice as this will be tailored to your individual needs. Read More

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