Which breathing technique is used to augment expansion in a localized region of the lung?

• A. Segmental breathing
• B. Incentive spirometry
• C. Pursed-lip breathing
• D. Glossopharyngeal breathing

Answer: (A)

Segmental breathing targets expansion of a specific part of the lung by guiding the patient to direct the inhaled air toward a chosen region. The therapist hands the patient over the target segment and cues a slow, deep breath into that area, helping to recruit under-ventilated alveoli and promote localized re-expansion. This localized focus distinguishes it from other techniques: incentive spirometry aims for overall, maximal lung inflation rather than a particular region; pursed-lip breathing emphasizes controlled exhalation to aid airflow in obstructive conditions, not targeted regional expansion; glossopharyngeal breathing uses rapid inspiratory efforts via the pharynx to inflate the chest more generally, not to expand a specific lung segment.