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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 :)
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 :)
asked Sep 27, 2010 at 10:14AM in Asthma
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0Votes
answered Sep 30, 2010 at 08:39AMWalking is one of the best aerobic exercises a person with asthma or COPD can do. Start with short distances and gradually increase as tolerated. Try to walk a minimum of 45 min at least 4 times a week at a moderate pace. Pre medicate if needed.
I'm not sure if your lung function will improve, but you can probably slow the rate of decline.
If there's anyway you can email me your PFT results, I can review them. -
0Votes
answered Oct 10 at 07:03PMIf your BMI is greater than 28 continue to lose weight under a doctors care. BMI 25 is the goal for most dietary guidelines. Fat under the diaphragm pushes up on the lungs and limits full excursion of the chest. Quit smoking absolutely. In six months there should be improvement in your lung function as inflammation processes wind down. Permanent alveolar destruction and airway reformulation will not improve. Avoid having pets in your sleep area and filter the air there.If you are prescribed a steroid-stay on the steroid. Read again. Also,have your cardiac function checked--often what we think of as a breathing problem is in fact a circulatory problem. It isnt that we arent breathing enough it is that the heart isnt pumping enough and the two feel exactly the same to the sufferer.
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Unfortunately we are not given copies of our results, I will ask for a copy next time in clinic.
Clare