Active Cycle of Breathing Technique (ACBT)

About ACBT

ACBT stands for Active Cycle of Breathing Technique. It will help clear mucus (sputum) from your chest. Coughing alone can be tiring and ineffective.

It is a set of breathing exercises that loosens and moves mucus up out of your lungs.

It uses different types of breaths, repeated in a cycle, until your chest feels clear.

How often

Repeat the cycle as often as you need to until there is no more mucus to clear. If you have an infection, you will need to do it more often. Three deep breaths every half hour will help you check if you have secretions. 

Speak to your physiotherapist if there are any concerns.

Types of breathing in ACBT

Relaxed breathing
Relax your shoulders, let your tummy gently rise with each breath in.

Deep breathing
Breathe in deeply, expanding your lower chest, holding for 3 secs.

Huff 
Breathe out with your mouth open (steaming up a mirror). There are 2 steps.

1. ​​​​First, long: take a normal breath in. Breathe out with a long, slow   breath,sqeezing as much air out as possible.
2. Then, short: take a deep breath in and a short sharp breath out.

Cough
Try to only cough when you feel the secretions are ready to be cleared.

Breathing cycle

Get into whatever position helps you clear the most mucus, such as sitting upright.

Cycle through the types of breathing. Stop once your have done 2 cycles or when you have a dry cough.

1. Relaxed breathing for 20 to 30 seconds
   then
2. Deep breathing three times
   then
3. Relaxed breathing for 20 to 30 seconds
   then
4. Deep breathing three times
   then
5. Relaxed breathing for 20 to 30 seconds
   then
6. Huff twice, followed by cough if needed
   then start at the top again