Breathing exercises are important for pulmonary fibrosis patients as they help to better control breathing if they experience a sudden shortness of breath, strengthen their diaphragm and clear excess mucus.

Here are four breathing exercises that may benefit people with pulmonary fibrosis, using information from the Lung Institute and livestrong.com.

Pursed Lip Breathing

Breathing through pursed lips helps to open the airways and make breathing easier. This is useful when experiencing shortness of breath and can also be used as a relaxation aid.

Pursed lips breathing can be done standing, sitting or lying down and begins by relaxing the necks and shoulders. Patients then need to close their mouths and gently inhale through their nose slowly for two seconds. Then with pursed lips breath out slowly for four seconds.

The technique can be repeated as many times as needed and the length of time taken to inhale and exhale may be extended.

MORE: 6 Famous People Who Lost Their Battle With Pulmonary Fibrosis.