Which breathing intervention is NOT appropriate to increase expiratory phase in a 3-year-old with asthma?

Which breathing intervention is NOT appropriate to increase expiratory phase in a 3-year-old with asthma?

• A. Use an incentive spirometer.
• B. Breathe into a paper bag.
• C. Blow a pinwheel.
• D. Take several deep breaths.

Answer: (B)

In asthma, slowing and prolonging the exhalation helps prevent air trapping and makes breathing easier. Techniques that encourage a steady, gentle, longer exhale support this goal. Breathing into a paper bag is not appropriate because it rebreathes expired air, increasing CO2 levels. This can lead to respiratory acidosis and worsen oxygenation, which is risky during an asthma attack. It does not help lengthen the expiratory phase and can mask warning signs of deterioration. The other options align with promoting a longer, calm exhale: blowing a pinwheel provides visual feedback to exhale slowly and steadily, and taking several deep breaths supports controlled breathing and ventilation.

In asthma, slowing and prolonging the exhalation helps prevent air trapping and makes breathing easier. Techniques that encourage a steady, gentle, longer exhale support this goal.

Breathing into a paper bag is not appropriate because it rebreathes expired air, increasing CO2 levels. This can lead to respiratory acidosis and worsen oxygenation, which is risky during an asthma attack. It does not help lengthen the expiratory phase and can mask warning signs of deterioration.

The other options align with promoting a longer, calm exhale: blowing a pinwheel provides visual feedback to exhale slowly and steadily, and taking several deep breaths supports controlled breathing and ventilation.