Exercise

Description

Exercise's Effects on the Lungs

Unsurprisingly, patients with chronic lung problems have difficulty exercising. Shortness of breath is a major limitation in most patients, but in about a third, muscle fatigue is an even greater problem. Although exercise does not improve lung function, training helps many patients with chronic lung disease by strengthening their limb muscles, thus improving endurance and reducing breathlessness.

Effects of Exercise on Asthma

Some studies are indicating that long-term exercise may help control asthma and reduce hospitalization. One 2000 study found that aerobic exercise improves breathing capacity and function in-patients with mild asthma. People who enjoy running should probably choose an indoor track to avoid pollutants. Swimming is particularly excellent for people with asthma. Yoga practice, which uses both stretching, breathing, chest expansion, and meditation techniques may have specific benefits that include stress reduction as well as airway opening. One study reported that two thirds of patients who practiced yoga regularly were able to reduce or eliminate their asthma medications.

Exercise-Induced Asthma. About 40% to 90% of asthma cases are exercise-induced asthma (EIA), in which exercise triggers coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath. It occurs most often in children and young adults and during intense exercise in cold dry air. EIA is triggered only by exercise and is distinct from ordinary allergic asthma in that it does not produce a long-term increase in airway activity (as allergic asthma does). People who only have EIA, then, do not require long-term maintenance therapy. (Some people, however, have both types.) There is some evidence that patients with EIA may also experience an asthmatic response hours after physical activity; more research is needed to confirm this. The warm-up and cool-down periods, which are important for any exercise regimen, may help reduce EIA events. A study of military recruits found that exercise-induced asthma attacks did not hinder their ability to perform or train, suggesting that EIA is not a reason to exclude people from physically demanding occupations.

Exercise-induced asthma is distinct from allergic asthma in that it does not produce long-term increase in airway activity. People who only experience asthma when they exercise may be able to control their symptoms with preventive measures such as warm-up and cool-down exercises.

Effects of Exercise on Emphysema

Walking is the best exercise for people with emphysema. Patients should try to walk three to four times daily for five to 15 minutes each time. Devices that assist ventilation may reduce breathlessness that occurs during exercise. Inspiratory muscle training involves exercises and devices that make inhaling more difficult in order to strengthen breathing muscles. In a 2001 study, patients who took part in a training group improved their breathing, walking capacity, and quality of life. As with asthma, yoga or martial arts exercises, such as tai chi, that emphasize breathing techniques and balanced movements may be particularly beneficial for these patients.