Breathing becoming less and less comfortable

[Sc99By542]

Hi all, I am in my 70s now, I have had severe asthma since I was 8. Have spent a lot of time n hospitals and Illat home. My lung capacity has got less and less over the years, does anyone know of any exercises or anything I can do to help improve this?

[Hidden]

Hello SC

1. walking gently breathing in through your nose and breathing out through your mouth like if you are blowing a candle

2. Sitting down the same for 5 mn 3 times a day but when you breathe in you put your hands on your stomach and pushing it out and pull it in while you breathe out

3. The same but add your chest after your stomach out and in

4. The same but you hold your breath a little and breathe out in 3 stages, let a little air out and stop until you empty your lungs.

You can build up to 5 mn 3 times a day these will strengthen your lung muscles and diaphragm. I was taught by the respiratory physio.

Take care xx

[Sc99By542 in reply to Hidden]

Hi there, thanks for taking the time to answer, I will be trying these exercises right away, I do try diaphragm breathing but I haven't heard of the others. Will get back later.

[Hidden in reply to Sc99By542]

You're welcome xx

[Nanny1086]

Hi , ask your GP to refer you to pulmary rehab class ,,I have asthma/Bronchiectis and I did the course in 2008',it's an 8 week course of education on breathing techniques and medication and exersise,I'm sure you'll benefit from it ,I've done the course a few times after flareups,etc ,the benefits are truly amazing ,the classes are run by specialist nurse and physio 's ,

[WheezyAnne]

I have had severe Asthma is nice I was 2, now 56. In the last 2 years mine has also got worse and now have permanent damaged lungs from all the infections. Severe Asthma comes under COPD umbrella nowadays so speak to your GP or Asthma nurse as @Nanny1086 said. I have been on the Pulmonary Rehab class twice now. They are very good. Swimming also helps. Best wishes Wheezy Anne

[jarc13]

youtube.com/watch?v=31Ew1og...(Not working as expected?) this was such a big help when i was first diagnosed with stage 4. i'm on oxygen when i get up to do anything. hope this helps.

[johnsmith]

This is not a matter of exercises. This is a matter of learning to use your muscles the way they are designed to be used.

An experienced Alexander Teacher will be helpful.

Please do not do Happylondon's exercises they could make matters worse.

The mistake many people make is they think of breathing in. Breathing out is more important. Atmospheric pressure will by its own accord refill your lungs.

Faulty Posture will impede air flow. By enabling improvement in posture the lungs will function better on their own accord.

Example of posture that impedes air flow.

1) Rib muscles that are too tight.

2) Chest which is caved in.

3) Collar bone which is lifted up - this prevents diaphragm functioning correctly.

4) Not allowing the lungs to expand sideways when breathing in due to tight muscles on waist.

5) breathing in forcefully which results in airways being narrowed.

6) Head not balanced on top of the spine which results in muscles trying to hold the head up. These muscles are attached to the rib cage and thus prevent free breathing.

There are quite a number of other things which impede breathing. Exercises are not going to tackle the posture problems which prevent free breathing.

See an Alexander Teacher and you will be taught to notice and correct the problems which impede breathing.

Hope this helps.

[Hidden in reply to johnsmith]

Ok I was taught all that by the hospital respiratory physiotherapist...