breathing difficulties

[Osha]

hello to all the ladies with lung problems. I say ladies because i doubt this can apply to the men. Yesterday I had a very bad breathing day and come evening it was worse until I got ready for bed. I took my bra off and it was immediate relief!!! I had not realised how much restriction a bra could cause. Anyone else who does this?

[Izb1]

Ha! everyday x

[leo60]

The thought of even putting one on makes me suffocate!! xx

[helenlw7]

I stopped wearing a bra several years ago, for this reason and became my arthritic shoulders made fastening painful. I wear a bra top, like a sports bra.

[Osha in reply to helenlw7]

Thanks for your reply helew7. Good to know I’m not the only one. This is an example of how this forum can help so many people

[Patk1]

Yes! I wear straps and back looser than I used as can't stand restriction

[Osha in reply to Patk1]

Thanks Patk1. Another good idea. Perhaps we should have a compilation of all these good tips!

[Mopsey1897]

definitely yes! I’m always loosening the back strap or taking it off altogether, I never realised how restrictive it was until I got emphysema

[jillygirl]

I do without whenever I can We need as much comfort as possible

[Skatergirl1]

yes, I go bra less as often as I can and bought a bra extender strap for when I have to wear one, also use nipple covers😂. Also anything tight around my waist can make me breathless

[B0xermad]

Hi Osha, definitely a thing if your lungs expand and it resticts you around the chest it's painful I bought some soft bras for that reason for those times and some bra extenders for daily use its made a massive difference but nothing compared to removing it altogether, sigh of relief

[Osha in reply to B0xermad]

I can feel you sigh of relief Boxermad!

[B0xermad in reply to Osha]

😀👍

[Jacorandax]

hi. I have found Uniqlo bra tops much more comfortable. It’s a combined bra and vest. Several styles and colours in many sizes. Haven’t found this type of top anywhere else.

[Osha in reply to Jacorandax]

Thanks Jacorandax I’ll have a look

[peege]

Ha, I often have to undo mine about 9-10pm!

[MoosterMoo]

All the time! I wear bralettes now and they're so comfortable.

[Dolphin628]

I buy the Body bras from m& s very comfy to wear the silk ones.

Dolphin_608

[ladyn]

definitely feel the same

[Gummybearx]

Yes, definitely. I now wear sports bras or soft bras no underwire or fasteners to do. I was also suffering with back pain but since going to my chiropractor who told me that us ladies will always suffer with bras I decided to change. Never looked back been 3 or 4 years now. Pain elsewhere but not due to my bra lol

[Alberta56]

My bosoms are 'generously' sized for a small lady. Ie. enormous. I would be more uncomfortable without a bra than with one.

[Nula2 in reply to Alberta56]

I'm lucky in that respect I am so skinny and have such small "bosoms" I don't have to worry about that.

[knitter]

a few years ago there was a long discussion about this subject here .

Debate whether breathing problems increased chest size or shape

Side effects of steroids for some ….patient next to me in hospital said …Beard , Boobs and Belly ..

TV programme ages ago about living in the Victorian era ….actor took peak flow before and after wearing a corset ..big difference .

[Ergendl]

I often undo my bra mid evening, but leave the cups in place to support my generous frontage.

[Loopylorre]

Oh my goodness yes!!! I hate wearing a bra, I’ve tried so many different styles it’s a nightmare! I’m happiest with out one completely, I’ve started now wearing a bra then a strappy tee shirt , ( quite a slim fitting one) then whatever I’m going to wear, blouse, short sleeve tee shirt so I can go into the toilet when I’m out & undo the bra , I find the strappy tee shirt then keeps bra in place, sounds a right rigmarole I know, but so worth it, I’ve also tried the all in one styles, the body type ones, they are fine on days my breathing isn’t too bad, but unfortunately it’s more often than not it’s bad now, tried the over head type but find their more of a nuisance, I think when you have restricted breathing it’s really hard to find anything that is completely comfortable to wear, but I keep trying, if anyone has found anything else please 🙏🏻 enlighten us all 😊🌺💐🌷

[HouseBunny64]

I never thought of the old torture chambers!! Makes sense to me!!

[Numptybrain]

Oh yes, I wear elastic sports bra great for X-ray no metal in them and less restrictive, if I’m not going out just a bra top. I’ve broken a couple of ribs lately so I’m definitely bra top.

Take care

Wendy xx

[Daisytime]

Thank you for posting Osha, my husband thought I was nuts getting pj's on at 8pm every night but like you say getting a bra off brings instant relief! I favour the softer braletts now too.

[Yumz199725]

Yeah that's why I no longer wear bras with underwire was causing to many problems x

[katieoxo60]

I don't wear a bra unless I have to to go out. Then I wear a sports bra as its easier to get on and more comfortable. I have changed many of my clothes for easy dressing due to lung condition, broken shoulders in past and arthritic joints that won't move as well as they used too.

[Otto11]

I can relate with this too. Often undo it at the back in the evening. The relief is instant 🙂

[Nula2]

Hi Osha, I haven't worn a bra for years for exactly that reason. (or my denture and only wear elasticated waist jogging bottoms) But at 71, a bag of bones and not able to get out and about much I no longer worry about appearances😊! xxx

[Karenanne61]

One of my early posts was exactly this problem! It's definitely a problem for us ladies! I still haven't found a solution that suits me because after 50+ plus years of bra wearing I'm conditioned to the support provided. Good luck on your search.🙂

[JPC2]

Yep definitely have that problem, I’ve stopped wearing a bra whenever possible x

[Blackcat99]

oh, yes! Nowadays I tend to keep bras for posh occasions or when I want to impress!😂 Horribly restrictive, even the so-called comfort bras, which tend to roll up under the boobs, and form a sort of garotte there. Really painful and very restrictive on the breathing. Just let it all hang out, ladies!

[purdeyspringer]

Oh yes , I only wear a bra when I have to, then it's one of those ones with no fastners, take it off ASAP when I get home. Go braless you know you want to 😂🤭

[wheezybronch]

Not a bra, but I cannot wear a seatbelt properly, it has to be slack. This suggests that you should try abdominal breathing, so much better for you.

To inhale, slowly breathe in through the nose, drawing the breath down toward the stomach. The stomach should push upward against the hand, while the chest remains still. To exhale, tighten the abdominal muscles and let the stomach fall downward while exhaling through pursed lips. Again, the chest should remain still. Good luck.

[Doradee]

I find a halter neck bra helps and I’ve taken to wearing boob tape which is surprisingly comfortable.

[robibry]

As soon as my day dealing with the world outside my home is done the first thing I do is take my bra off, the feelings of relief are magical.

[Osha in reply to robibry]

The feeling of relief is great I’m 80 year old and always wear a bra. Now I know why people go braless !