Breathing exercises help other lung conditions, but what about coronavirus?

After a couple of public figures touted breathing exercises as remedies for coronavirus symptoms, many professionals in the medical community are chiming in on whether those techniques are truly effective.

Doctors have mixed opinions about them.

The conversation started after an urgent care doctor from the UK posted a video showing breathing techniques doctors are using for coronavirus patients, Radio.com reported. Soon after, J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter book series, tweeted the video, explaining she has experienced symptoms of COVID-19, although she has not been tested, and that the techniques helped her, according to Radio.com.

CNN anchor Chris Cuomo, who tested positive for coronavirus, also endorsed the breathing exercises, according to Health.com.

The UK doctor recommended taking in five deep breaths and holding each in for five seconds, then on the sixth breath, cough forcefully while covering your mouth, Health.com reported.

While some doctors agree, Health.com says, others are skeptical. Arefa Cassoobhoy, MD, wrote on WebMD that there is little to no evidence supporting the claim that the breathing technique could help coronavirus patients.

Cassoobhoy acknowledges that such breathing techniques are used to help other lung conditions like COPD or pneumonia. But we don’t fully know if the exercises would apply to symptoms of coronavirus, according to Cassoobhoy.

There are some techniques that are good for your lungs in general, which may help you fight an infection or illness, including coronavirus, Cassoobhoy says.

“The goal is to expand your lungs to full capacity and allow you to get rid of dead cells and mucous as you exhale,” according to Cassoobhoy.

Cassoobhoy recommends belly breathing, using an incentive spirometer device to help take deep breaths, exercising, and to stop smoking and vaping. These techniques can complement your self-care at home, Cassoobhoy says.