Can Breathing Exercises Help With COVID Recovery?

Infectious diseases including COVID-19 can affect the respiratory system, inducing coughing, wheezing and difficulty breathing. Preventing damage to the lungs and restoring proper respiration is crucial in overcoming such infections.

Breathing exercises have long been known to reduce cardiovascular stress, increase blood oxygenation, reduce inflammation and dilate the blood vessels. Breathing practises through the nose help develop a slow, light and deep pattern (about 6 breaths per-minute). This engages the diaphragm and produces and anti-bacterial and anti-viral gas called nitric oxide (NO).

Research suggests that this style of breathing may be important in treating and recovering from respiratory conditions including COVID-19. Johns Hopkins physical therapist Peiting Lien believes that these practises can be an “aid in recovery for those who had COVID-19 or another serious illness”. Simple breathing exercises like this can be highly beneficial and “play an especially important role in the COVID-19 recovery process”. If you suspect that you may have COVID, you should immediately go for a PCR test, self-isolate and arrange to speak with your doctor.