Coach them through this breathing exercise
Casciari and Fincher both say a breathing technique touted by celebrities with COVID-19, including J.K. Rowling and CNN broadcaster Chris Cuomo, could be helpful for your loved one.
In a video demonstrating the technique, British doctor Sarfaraz Munshi tells viewers to take a deep breath, hold it for five seconds and then release it. Patients should repeat this five times, then take a sixth breath in and cough strongly while releasing it. Afterward, they should lie flat on their stomach for 10 minutes, taking slightly deeper breaths than normal.
The exercise pushes air deep into the lungs and opens air pockets that otherwise might be collapsed, helping to prevent mucus buildup, Casciari explains. It also increases the amount of oxygen the patient is getting. “We've used it for years with respiratory illness,” he says.
Lying facedown afterward takes advantage of gravity to redistribute the air and fluid in the lungs, improving oxygenation, Casciari says. Called proning, the technique is being used by hospitals across the country on severely ill patients. Physicians have found it to be helpful.
Casciari was quick to point out that the exercises are no substitute for going to the hospital if your loved one is having trouble breathing or if his symptoms are getting worse.
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