NHS doctor shares breathing technique to help coronavirus patients fight off the infection - as Harry Potter author JK Rowling claims it helped her recover

An NHS doctors has shared a breathing technique for coronavirus patients that JK Rowling claims helped her recover.

Dr Sarfaraz Munshi, who works at Queen's Hospital in Romford, said the practice is used on intensive care patients but can help anyone fight off infection.

A breathing technique is the 'only way' to get oxygen deep into the lungs which is important to avoid deterioration, Dr Munshi said.  

He also cautioned patients against lying on their backs because it reduces lung capacity and closes the airways. 

Serious complications and death due to COVID-19 are largely due to the virus impacting the respiratory system, including the functioning of the lungs. 

Praising the breathing technique, Rowling said it helped her recover from a suspected case of the coronavirus. 

The Harry Potter author said she is 'fully recovered' after suffering 'all symptoms' of the coronavirus - but had not been formally tested.

She shared a video of a doctor advising how to do the breathing technique, which was initially published on social media. 

Rowling wrote on Twitter: 'Please watch this doc from Queens Hospital explain how to relieve respiratory symptoms. 

'For last 2 weeks I've had all symptoms of C19 (tho haven't been tested) & did this on doc husband's advice. 

'I'm fully recovered & technique helped a lot [sic].'

Dr Munshi explained that his colleague Sue Elliot, a director of nursing, relies on the technique to help her patients in intensive care every day.

But patients who are self-isolating at home suffering symptoms can also benefit. He said it's a 'good idea' for people to try it before becoming infected, too.

It involves taking five deep breaths, and ending the sixth deep breathe with a cough - covered with the hand or a tissue, of course. This would help move mucus in the respiratory tract to the mouth.

Dr Munshi said: 'While you have an active infection you need to be getting a good amount of air into the bases of your lungs.

'The only way you are going to do that is by having a technique. 

'I want you guys to start doing this if you have the infection right from the beginning, if you want to do it before you even pick up the infection, good idea.'

The first symptoms of the coronavirus are typically a persistent cough with a fever, but a minority will go on to develop breathing problems.

The virus multiplies in the respiratory tract, which can affect the airways. It makes it harder to breathe normally, which can be distressing. 

The majority of critically ill COVID-19 patients admitted in intensive care units end up with ARDS - acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). 

At this point they will need the support of a breathing machine, like a ventilator, to push air into the lungs.   

It is vital the lungs can get enough air so that oxygen can be transported around the body, via the bloodstream, to vital organs.

Helping others: The Harry Potter author revealed she had not been tested, but used a breathing technique to get air in to the bases of her lungs

Rowling later tweeted: 'Thank you for your kind and lovely messages! I really am completely recovered'

Dr Munshi said to do the breathing technique twice before lying flat on the stomach and breathing deeply for ten minutes.

He said: 'The majority of your lung is on your back, not on the front. By lying on your back your closing off more of the smaller airways and this is not good during a period of infection.

'[It can] lead to atelectasis. This can then lead to a secondary pneumonia. It's very important that you guys understand this.'

Atelectasis is a complete or partial collapse of the entire lung. It occurs when the tiny air sacs, called alveoli, become deflated or filled with fluid. 

Dr Munshi went on: 'The most important thing is laying in bed for prolonged periods, on your back, is going to close off the small airways.

'[It will] increase your risk of secondary pneumonia, that can make your condition deteriorate much further - bearing in mind the patients that are deteriorating are deteriorating because of respiratory problems.'   

Doctors place critically ill patients on their front - called 'prone positioning' - to improve outcomes. 

This is for a number of reasons, including that the back of the lungs have a larger surface area than the front.

It can help the alveoli to open up more. The alveoli are crucial for taking in oxygen to supply the rest of the body, but can collapse in ARDS. 

Lying on the stomach also helps with fluid drainage, preventing the lungs getting sticky from infection, and boosts blood flow.  

After sharing the message, Rowling received a string of supportive messages, including from Fifty Shades Of Grey author EL James. 

Rowling later tweeted: 'Thank you for your kind and lovely messages! I really am completely recovered and wanted to share a technique that's recommended by doctors, costs nothing, has no nasty side effects but could help you/your loved ones a lot, as it did me. Stay safe, everyone x.'