Learning how to do Pursed Lip and diaphragmatic breathing are keys to situations where you're so out of breath you really think you're going to expire. One of the keys is to slow down and don't put yourself in those kinds of situations in the first place, but if you do find yourself in that kind of situation, pursed lip breathing will help a lot. Sitting down and resting your elbows on your knees will help put you in a good position to catch your breath. If there's no place to sit, lean on a wall and that will help as well. Put as much of your weight against the wall as possible; that will help.

One thing I found really helpful was a good exercise program, because I learned to keep going even though I was sob. That helped me learn that I could be sob for a long time, but if my 02 sats were still good, it didn't matter. I could keep going for as long as I could stand it and I wouldn't do myself any harm. I really suggest that you find a pulmonary rehab program and go: there's a lot to learn about COPD and that's one of the best places to learn.

Yes, Jean is right. I have my own ritual to get through it. I do the pursed lipped breathing two times, as I lean on a wall, counter, or back of a chair. Then I do one deep inhale and let it out to relax. I do it again if I haven't came it down yet.