Ni-Cheng Liang, MD
Board Certified Pulmonologist
wikiHow's Editorial Process wikiHow partners with over 1000+ experts from a wide range of fields to ensure our content is accurate and based on well-established research and testimony. Content Managers conduct interviews and work closely with each expert to review information, answer reader questions, and add credible advice. Learn more about our editorial process and why millions of readers trust wikiHow.
Co-authored Articles (22)
How to
Clear the Throat of Mucus
Mucus is unpleasant, nasty, and sometimes stays with you for longer than expected. Luckily, there are lots of ways you can get rid of mucus and phlegm in your throat. Start by providing basic care for your throat and muc...
How to
Breathe
Breathing is a basic human function, but most of the time you don’t even realize you’re doing it. You may be surprised to learn that there are better ways to breathe than others. Short, shallow breaths, for example, ...
How to
Get Rid of Mucus
Nasal mucus is a clear, sticky liquid that works as a filter to prevent unwanted particles in the air from entering your body through your nose. Mucus is a natural part of your body’s defenses, but sometimes it can be ...
4 Reasons Why You Forget to Breathe When You’re Awake or Asleep
Learn why you subconsciously hold your breath with our helpful guide Forgetting to breathe momentarily may sound scary, but it’s a really common occurrence. It may happen when you’re awake if you’re really focused...
How to
Treat Costochondritis
Costochondritis, also called chest wall pain, costosternal syndrome, or costosternal chondrodynia, occurs when the cartilage between a rib and the breastbone (sternum) becomes inflamed and swollen. The symptoms can mimic...
How to Circular Breathe (for Beginners)
How to use continuous breathing for wind instruments, singing, and stress reliefIn normal breathing, people usually inhale through the nose and exhale using just the lungs. Easy enough! For woodwind instrumentalists and ...
How to
Hold Your Breath for Long Periods of Time
The ability to hold your breath for a long period of time is a much sought-after skill. Maybe you want to last longer underwater while diving or surfing, or maybe you're just looking for an impressive party trick. Whatev...
How to
Clear Dust from Your Lungs
Any time you breathe in dust, it could end up in your lungs and cause irritation or damage. The good news is that your lungs naturally clean themselves. Still, you can give your lungs some help getting rid of the dust by...
How to
Use Voldyne 5000
The Voldyne 5000 is a popular incentive spirometer. The goal of this device is to open the air sacs in your lungs after surgery, making it easier to breathe deeply and keep your lungs clear.. 18 June 2021. Proper usage m...
How to
Quit Smoking by Using an Allen Carr Book
Reading Allen Carr's ''The Easy Way to Stop Smoking'' can be a positive experience if you're looking to end your relationship with tobacco. The book, written by a former chain-smoker, has sold 15 million copies in its 30...
How to
Stop Swallowing Air
A guide to minimizing excessive burping, gas, and bloating Swallowing air, also called aerophagia, can lead to constant burping, annoying gas, and bloating. There are many reasons that you might be accidentally swallowin...
How to Get Rid of Phlegm & Mucus
Dry up mucus and drain your sinuses with these effective tipsMucus is generally a term that has a negative connotation — it’s often unpleasant to look at, and it’s associated with long winters and miserable allergy...
How to
Strengthen Your Lungs After Having Pneumonia
Having pneumonia can be a very scary ordeal. Once you have recovered your health, it is important that you strengthen your lungs so that you can take back control of your breathing, and your life. Scroll down to Step 1 f...
How to
Get Cigarette Smoke off Your Breath
It can be hard to smoke cigarettes and still smell fresh. The scent of cigarette smoke is one that tends to cling, especially when it comes to our breath. There are a few ways however that you can stop bad breath caused ...
How to
Breathe Deeply
Belly breathing, also called diaphragmatic breathing or abdominal breathing, is the process of breathing deeply so that your body receives a full supply of oxygen. While shallow breathing can cause shortness of breath an...
How to
Ease Sudden Chest Pain
Chest pain does not necessarily suggest a heart issue. Of the 5.8 million Americans who visit emergency rooms for chest pain every year, 85% get diagnoses unrelated to the heart. However, because so many problems can cau...
How to
Read a Chest X Ray
You have probably seen a chest x-ray (chest radiograph), or might even have had one taken. Have you ever wondered how to read a chest x-ray? When looking at a radiograph, remember that it is a 2-dimensional representatio...
How to
Stop Heavy Breathing
If you or someone you know is having trouble breathing, call emergency services immediately. However, if your heavy breathing is not an emergency situation, you may be able to get relief without treatment. You can find i...
How to
Cure Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath can feel like you're having trouble catching your breath or getting enough oxygen. This can be caused by an underlying medical issue (like heart or lung problems or an infection), or may occur in heal...
How to
Perform Tracheostomy Care
A tracheostomy is an opening (made by a surgical incision) through the front of the neck and into the trachea (windpipe). A plastic tube is inserted through the incision to keep the airways open and allow breathing. The ...
