Hyperinflated lungs

[Ele80]

I had pneumonia 2 years ago and chest xray showed hyperinflated lungs in line with copd. I had another xray 6 months later which still showed hyperinflated lungs. I had a pft 6 weeks after my pneumonia which was fine but I can't seem to get answers why my lungs are hyperinflated. All I have done is worry since been told and feel I am trying to find things wrong me now. My doctors are the sort you can't go to and talk to as they just don't seem interested and shove you out the door as quick as you came in. Does anyone else have hyperinflated lungs but no other symptoms. I have never smoked, I did a lot of competitive running when I was young. I have started running again in Sept last year I run between 6-10 miles a week. I do have a lot of asthma in my family and weak chests. Any advise is welcome. Thanks

[corriena]

As you are running 6 to 10 miles each week im thinking your hyper inflated lungs are not causing you much of a problem. I think you need to talk to a professional to help put your mind at rest. Give the blf helpline a call im sure they can give you proper sencible advice.

[knitter]

I was diagnosed with hyperinflated lungs , but I also had a cough after contracting pneumonia . One thing I find helpful is just to stop and check my breathing .....is it fast or slow , upper or lower chest , nose or mouth breathing . Try Gentle nose breaths to warm and filter the air .

Try and gentle nose breathe, as relaxed as you can . Put one hand on upper chest and one on lower......gentle, gentle breathe...the lower hand on your belly should move out and more than your upper hand .

I find pursed lip breathing helpful too, breathe in gently through your nose ....gentle ....then out gently through a pursed lip mouth , for a slightly longer time . Gently repeat a few times , then carry on normal nose breathing .

Check if you are mouth breathing a lot when you are running, steady your breath when you are home and return gradually to gentle nose breathing .

Try some relaxation exercises too....or try relaxing chest muscles when listening to slow gentle sounds or music.

The BLF have a helpline , open during the working week for UK residents

03000 030 555. They can advise you.

I would also contact your health professional again, try and book a telephone discussion, ask them the reasons for your hyperinflated lungs , your concerns and your family chest history.

Best wishes .

[Ele80 in reply to knitter]

Thanks for the reply, do you know if you still have hyperinflated lungs as they say an illness like pneumonia is why they could be picked up on xray and they may go back to normal?? I have never smoked and am unsure why I would have this condition. When I did ask the one doctor she said it could be from when I used to run when I was younger and it could be some thing I've had for years as I've never had a chest xray until that point in 2018. I'm only 44 now and have looked after myself over the years the only bad would've be a lot of alcohol for a few years at weekends growing up but I haven't drank any alcohol for over 7 years now. I am really baffled about it all... As somebody above said as I manage to run OK they didn't think it would copd?

[Ele80 in reply to knitter]

And yes I do mouth breathe a lot when running... I have tried inhaling through my nose and out thru my mouth but find it easier to mouth breathe. How will these exercise help if you don't mind me asking?