Pulmonary fibrosis is a serious disease that causes scarring of lung tissue. This makes the lungs stiffen, which leads to difficult breathing. According to National Jewish Health, sufferers of respiratory diseases will benefit from a general exercise program. Breathing exercises can help you breathe better during any kind of activity, which will help as begin or continue an exercise program.
Exercise Benefits
An exercise program will benefit your pulmonary fibrosis in a number of ways. It will increase your energy level and improve your ability to fight infections. Exercise will also improve your heart-lung endurance. National Jewish Health states that exercise decreases shortness of breath and will help lower your blood pressure as well. Breathing techniques can help you breathe better as you exercise.
Before You Begin An Exercise Program
Exercise can help your lung function. If you are already physically active, don't stop exercising. MayoClinic.com suggests you talk to your doctor before starting an exercise routine, if you are not already physically active. Your physician can help you choose an exercise program that will best meet your needs and may suggest you learn breathing exercises.
Rehabilitation Program for Pulmonary Fibrosis
Your doctor may recommend that you participate in a pulmonary rehabilitation program. Such a program includes education about exercise. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, a rehabilitation program can increase your ability to exercise. National Jewish Health states that rehabilitation program workers will first evaluate you to see if you are ready for exercise. You will have an exercise program designed for your needs. Pulmonary rehabilitation often includes education about breathing techniques.
Pursed Lip Breathing Exercise
To reduce any shortness of breath during general exercise, practice this pursed lip breathing exercise. The National Heart, Lung, Blood Institute gives the following instructions for this technique. Lean forward. With your mouth closed, and slowly inhale through your nose. Take in a normal amount of air. Exhale slowly through your mouth with your lips pursed as if blowing out a candle. Your breathing out should be two or three times as long as you breathing in. If it helps, count to two as you inhale and count to four to six when you exhale.
Coordinated Breathing Exercise
According to National Jewish Health, the purpose of the coordinated breathing technique is to help guarantee that your working muscles get adequate oxygen as you exercise. This breathing exercise will also prevent you from holding your breath during your activity. To do this breathing exercise, inhale through your nose, before you start your activity. Exhale through pursed lips during the most strenuous part of the activity. If you find it is hard to coordinate this breathing technique with your activity, try counting out loud. This will keep you from holding your breath. If you are short of breath, stop the activity and use the pursed lip breathing technique to help with your breathing. Then you can begin to exercise again.
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