How do I improve my lung function?

I've been trying hard over the last 6 months to increase my exercise tolerance. I've lost nearly 5 stone in weight and can walk a lot further now than this time last year when I was using my mobility sccoter.

My exercise tolerance has increased. I went for lung function whilst in clinic last week, I was expecting some improvement as I don't get as symptomatic and breathless when exercising. However I was rather dissapointed to see my fev1 was still only 40% it usually ranges between 30-40% .

I do have some lung damage from a life time of infections and pneumonias but it is still really disheartening when I have worked so hard!

I think I may be focusing on the numbers too much, on the whole my asthma hasn't improved just my tolerance to exercise, I suppose this is better than nothing?

Anyone got any ideas how I can improve my lung function, what exercies I can do?

Thanks in advance

Clare

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Hiya

I'm not really much of an expert here, but there's something telling me that both singing (especially opera, though not only) and playing a brass instrument are good for increasing lung capacity/volume/function.

Go ahead, sing in the shower and have an excuse for it!

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Hiya

I'm not really much of an expert here, but there's something telling me that both singing (especially opera, though not only) and playing a brass instrument are good for increasing lung capacity/volume/function.

Go ahead, sing in the shower and have an excuse for it!

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Actually don't sing in the shower, infact don't shower....showerheads could spray you with a bug called Mycobacterium avium, that when inhaled into the lungs causes weakness, tiredness and breathlessness.

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hi i cant do this but i was told that people with resp probs should blow up a balloon a few times a day.....i practice breathing techniques that help loads