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Interesting read about breathing with emphysema

MsMoeller profile image
23 Replies

Came across this and thought I would share it with the community:

emphysema.net/maryb.html

I think that (especially the first half) really explanis the mechanism of breathing with emphysema, and why it requires so much energy, well.

The last part about pursed lip breathing is also a good reminder/instruction for good breathing for those of us coping with the disease.

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MsMoeller profile image
MsMoeller
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23 Replies

Good link and very easy to follow. Thank you for posting it. x

Billiejean_2 profile image
Billiejean_2

Very interesting ! Really explains clearly, the whole mechanical process of breathing.

The trouble is I don't know whether I have primarily emphysema or chronic bronchitis! They refuse to tell me (I don't think they know and they certainly don't care) and just insist angrily that it doesn't matter and it's all called copd. Not sure it makes any difference though... x

MsMoeller profile image
MsMoeller in reply to

That must be frustrating!

I know for sure that I have emphysema, as I have had a CT scan which clearly showed the damage in the alveoli and excessive airtrapping.

But I think I can relate to you in the sense that they use COPD as a "one size fits all" diagnosis.

In my case they focus on the emphysema, but since I am also couging up mucus I have asked if I also have chronic bronchitis. My pulmo doctor's reply was; maybe...you probably do...

A surgeons reply to the same question was that it can also "just" be excessive mucus from the bullae in my lung.

Well...on the upside I think that the medication used for emphysema and bronchitis (at least the bronchodialators) is the same...so maybe, in that sense, it doesn't really matter so much after all...

in reply to MsMoeller

Maybe it doesn't...I know by the way I am treated that I don't matter! x

MsMoeller profile image
MsMoeller in reply to

But of course you matter, coughalot2!

So sorry to hear that you feel that way...

You have the right to know all the details about your condition and ask questions. It is your health!

in reply to MsMoeller

I know MissMoeller but every time I ask something the doctor(s) get angry. For example when I ask whether I have chronic bronchitis or emphysema they refuse to tell me and tell me I don't need to know as it all comes under COPD. They don't know either. When I asked to be referred (which is my right) I get told the consultant would be angry coz I am only high moderate and I wouldn't see them anyway, but only a junior member of the team. So I don't ask any more. x

soulsaver profile image
soulsaver in reply to

You could ask for a copy of your last x-ray result. It will say so if the consultant radiographer sees over inflated lungs.

Reply Like (0)

casper99 profile image
casper99

That was the best, easy to understand, explanation, I've ever seen, thank you for posting it. xx

clematis5932 profile image
clematis5932

Very interesting thank you I have now saved this for future reference.

grannyk3 profile image
grannyk3

Added to my favorites, thanks for posting!

Krysta

knitter profile image
knitter

Very good article I thought......especially about the relaxed belly breathing and the ' gentle' pursed lip technique.

I have seen some people on you tube demos breathing in from the top of the chest and out very forcefully when doing pursed lip breathing rather than gently like this article suggests.

I also try and slow my breathing rate....low and slow ....and I find when I am stressed my breathing rate goes up .

Thanks

foxyeric profile image
foxyeric

Very interesting thank you for that have downloaded it now

Eric

Linda8p profile image
Linda8p

Very interesting must try this.

James48 profile image
James48

Thank you for the post. Very informative. I've been doing PSB wrong all along. Thinking about it, I'm surprised it's not taught Pulmonary rehab classes.

:)

Jaynair profile image
Jaynair

Clear and easy to understand explanation, thank you for posting link :) x

mwalker23 profile image
mwalker23

Thank you for the link very interesting. I have saved for future reference .

Shaurene profile image
Shaurene

Hi MissMoeller

I have just read emphysema link it was very interesting in regards to the breathing information. I just went to see my doctor at the hospital I Thailand. They tested my oxygen count it was 95. I do tend to breath out more as I understand the problem with the lung sacks.

panda22 profile image
panda22

Excellent article. I am going to show it to my pulmonary nurse.

hufferpuffer profile image
hufferpuffer

Thank you for the link, I had forgotten how good the information from the Efforts site is.I never thought of myself as over inflated but it explains why my under bust measures ten more inches than before! 😁🌼🌷 x

MsMoeller profile image
MsMoeller in reply to hufferpuffer

I didn't know the site before coming across this article. It really was an aha moment for me, despite that it wasn't the first time I got the explanation. Also showed it to hubby, who felt it really helped him to understand what I am dealing with.

Haha can totally relate to you in terms of chest circumference. It does make it very real that your chest actually expands so much due to the air trapped inside!

Patches2 profile image
Patches2

Excellent link. Thank you.

undine profile image
undine

very interesting thank you xxx

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