1. Break the Habit
Smoking is one of the main causes of emphysema. If you are a smoker and have yet to kick the habit, now is the time. Quitting will not cure your emphysema; however, it may help prevent the lung condition from becoming worse. Continuing to smoke will only make breathing problems worse. For help quitting, contact your local hospital, which can refer you to a smoking-cessation class. Medications, patches and gums are widely available to help break the habit. Some people find that hypnosis and acupuncture help deal with cravings.
2. Breathing Your Way Through Emphysema
Emphysema causes air to get trapped in the lungs, which results in shortness of breath. A few breathing techniques can help reduce that feeling. One technique is called pursed lip breathing. Breathe in through your nose for 2 counts, then exhale through pursed lips for a count of 4. This works by slowing down exhalation and allowing most of the air to get out of the lungs. Another technique is diaphragmatic breathing. Place one hand just above your navel. Inhale slowly through your nose. Use your abdominal muscles to aid in inhalation instead of your upper chest muscles. This will strengthen the diaphragm, which makes breathing more efficient.
3. Medications That Help
One of the symptoms of emphysema is wheezing. The airways tighten up, making it difficult to breathe. Medication can help by opening up the airways. People with emphysema can take bronchodilators such as albuterol via an inhaler or through a nebulizer. Inflammation in the lungs is also a problem. Inhaled steroids may be effective in reducing inflammation and easing shortness of breath.
4. Get More Oxygen
Because of the trapped air in the lungs, it's difficult to get the carbon dioxide out of the body and the oxygen in. Some people with emphysema may need supplemental oxygen prescribed by their doctor. Oxygen can help ease shortness of breath and may improve the ability to do daily living activities. Portable oxygen devices are available for home use; they are easy to use and can be taken anywhere.
5. Rehabilitation for the Lungs
Clinics and hospitals across the country offer pulmonary rehabilitation programs. Most programs are a combination of education and exercise aimed at improving lung function in people with emphysema. There are usually a series of classes that teach breathing techniques and provide suggestions for lifestyle changes. Participants also exercise while being monitored. The goal of the class is to have participants increase exercise tolerance and learn ways to deal with shortness of breath and other symptoms.
