Glossopharyngeal breathing

Glossopharyngeal Breathing is a method of breathing that involves the use of the tongue and throat muscles. This technique is often used by individuals who have lost the use of their diaphragm due to conditions such as polio, spinal cord injury, or other neuromuscular disorders.

Overview

Glossopharyngeal breathing, also known as frog breathing or buccal pumping, is a technique that allows individuals to augment their lung volume by using their tongue and throat muscles to push air into their lungs. This method of breathing is often used by individuals who have lost the use of their diaphragm due to conditions such as polio, spinal cord injury, or other neuromuscular disorders.

Technique

The technique involves the use of the tongue to push air into the lungs. The individual takes a small breath in through their nose or mouth, then uses their tongue to push this air down into their lungs. This is repeated several times to fill the lungs to capacity.

Benefits

Glossopharyngeal breathing can provide a number of benefits for individuals with neuromuscular disorders. It can help to increase lung volume, improve oxygenation, and reduce the risk of pneumonia and other respiratory complications. It can also provide a sense of independence and control over breathing, which can improve quality of life.

Risks and Considerations

While glossopharyngeal breathing can be beneficial, it is not suitable for everyone. It requires a certain level of physical ability and coordination, and may not be possible for individuals with severe neuromuscular disorders. It can also be tiring and may not provide enough oxygen for individuals with severe respiratory impairment.

See Also

• Respiratory system
• Neuromuscular disease
• Polio
• Spinal cord injury