Breathing Problems
A small physical action and some breathing exercises can help a person with lung disease. Be guided by your doctor or health practitioner. Always prepare your exercise routine under their supervision.
How the lungs work
Lungs take up oxygen from the air. You respire with the muscles in your ribcage and a sheet of muscle called the diaphragm, which sits under your lungs and above your stomach. The lungs contain tubes and small air sacs. Each air sac is covered with a mesh of blood vessels called capillaries and oxygen enters the blood via these capillaries. When oxygen levels are too low, the brain sends a signal to the lungs, telling them to work harder.
Lung Diseases
Some of these diseases include:
- Asthma
- Emphysema
- Bronchiectasis
- Chronic bronchitis
Breathing is Tricky
A person with lung disease has to work harder to obtain sufficient oxygen. They frequently use additional muscles to respire, such as the muscles of the neck and shoulders. If the lungs are stiff and inflexible, the diaphragm has to work harder too. This is very tiring. Feeling short of breath is one of the most general symptoms of lung disease.
Breathing Exercises
- Improve the strength of the diaphragm
- Get more air into the lungs
- Help bring up deep-seated mucous
- Keep the lungs and chest wall mobile.
