Emphysema Tips for Breathing Easier

Over time, the lungs lose their elasticity, making it difficult to breathe.  Although, emphysema develops slowly, the toll it takes is major.  The air sacks, which normally stretch as they transport oxygen from the air to the blood, shrink as they force out carbon dioxide and loose their effectiveness.  People with emphysema have difficulty exhaling because their damaged lungs trap air and cannot exchange the old air for fresh air.

While there is no cure for emphysema, there are plenty of steps you can take to ease the symptoms, prevent progression of the disease, and enjoy life.  Here are some helpful tips and suggestions:

Stop smoking, it's never too late.  Even if you stop in your 50s or 60s, you'll slow down the deterioration of your lungs.  Also, if smoke from your own from your cigarettes can harm you, then so can second hand smoke.  Even a nonsmoking spouse can develop emphysema by inhaling the cigarette smoke from a smoking spouse after many decades of living together.

If you have known allergies that affect your breathing, it's doubly important to stay away from what causes them when you have emphysema.

You can't repair your airways, but what you can do is increase how efficiently you breathe.  Exercising is very important to people with emphysema.  Walking is probably the best overall.  You should also exercise to tone the muscles in your upper extremities.  Try using one or two pound hand weights, and work the muscles in your neck, upper shoulders and chest.  This is important because people with chronic lung diseases use their neck and upper respiratory chest muscles more than other people.  People also benefit from swimming because the activity allows them to breathe very humidified air.

As emphysema progresses and there is more obstruction to airflow, the lungs enlarge with trapped air.  These enlarged lungs push down into the abdomen, leaving less room for the stomach to expand.  That is why six small means will make you feel better than three large ones.  Your best bet is to reach foods that pack a lot of calories into a small amount, like high protein selections.

You should maintain your ideal body weight.  Some people with emphysema gain a lot of weight and tend to retain fluid.  It takes more energy to carry extra body weight.  The closer you are to your ideal weight, the better for your lungs. 

You should try to relax.  When you're in a constant state of alarm, you're demanding a lot of oxygen in the process.  Alarm is created by the thought process, which you can control. 

Don't use unnecessary sprays.  You don't need to add to your respiratory problems by inhaling unknown substances.  Try using liquid or gel-type hair products and roll-on or solid deodorants.  Avoid aerosol spray household cleaners.

Join a rehabilitation group.  If you can't find one locally, contact your nearby American Lung Association chapter.  A group can educate you about your condition and provide social support.