Question: Are there any breathing exercises that will restore lung capacity or help overall breathing? I inhale and exhale deeply while I’m on my walks.
Dr. Hibberd's Answer:
Breathing deeply when you walk may be beneficial to some, but if you are really serious about your lungs, and have suffered from a disorder of lung function, you may be well-advised to enroll in a formal pulmonary rehabilitation program and have your progress professionally monitored and measured. Unfortunately, many of these programs are privately run and not inexpensive, but fully subsidized programs are available.
Rehab programs that offer an individualized program of exercise and support will usually demonstrate an improved quality of life for those with chronic lung disorders or those who have problems after a protracted illness or surgery. Their purpose is to prevent re-hospitalization and recurrence of pulmonary complications, and they have been especially useful to both heart and lung patients wishing to establish improved lung and cardiac function.
© 2011 Newsmax. All rights reserved.
