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Pursed-lip breathing

System: Chest & Breathing Signs · All chest & breathing signs

What it is — and how it is elicited

Breathing out slowly through lips held as if to whistle, which splints the airways open from inside.

What a positive finding suggests

A compensatory pattern associated with obstructive lung disease, especially COPD and emphysema.

Related signs — Chest & Breathing Signs

Barrel chestBiot's breathingBronchophonyCheyne–Stokes respirationD'Espine signEgophony

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Please note: This page is an educational reference about clinical examination signs. A clinical sign supports — and never replaces — a full clinical evaluation, examination and appropriate testing. A sign being present does not by itself prove a diagnosis, and an absent sign does not rule one out. If you have symptoms that worry you, see a health professional.