What is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)?
COPD is a progressive lung disease that causes damage to the lungs.
Symptoms include:
Difficulty Breathing
Persistent Cough with Phlegm
Persistent Wheezing
Increased Breathlessness (Especially During Physical Activity)
Swelling of Ankles, Feet, or Legs
The leading cause of COPD is SMOKING. Other causes include secondhand smoke, dust and fumes, and family history.
Goal of Physiotherapy in Treating COPD
The primary goal of physiotherapy for treating COPD is:
• Relieve symptoms
• Slow the progression of the disease
• Improve exercise tolerance and stay active
• Preventing future complications
• Improving the overall quality of health
Exercises and smoking cessation are the critical components of pulmonary rehabilitation programs.
The use of protein supplements, in combination with exercise, could also be beneficial.
Most Useful Exercises for People with COPD
Deep Breathing
Deep breathing prevents air from getting trapped in your lungs which helps you breathe in fresher air.
- Sit or stand with elbows slightly back.
- Inhale a deep breath through the nose
- Hold your breath for 5 seconds (count 5)
- Slowly exhale through the nose
Tip: It is best to do this exercise 3-4 times daily with other exercises.
Pursed lip breathing
Pursed lip breathing helps perform strenuous activities, such as climbing stairs.
- Keep your mouth closed and take a deep breath through the nose, counting 2.
- Now put your lips together (like blowing candles), i.e., “pursing” your lips.
- Slowly exhale or breathe out through the mouth, counting to 4.
Huff cough
The huff cough is a breathing exercise to help cough up mucus easily.
- Sit comfortably and slowly inhale deeper than normal breath through your mouth.
- Activate your stomach muscles and exhale or blow out in 3 even breaths.
Diaphragmatic breathing
People with COPD mostly rely on the neck, shoulders, and back accessory muscles to breathe rather than on the diaphragm. Diaphragmatic breathing helps to retrain this muscle to work more effectively.
- Sit or lie down with your shoulders relaxed and place a hand on your chest and the other on your stomach.
- Inhale through your nose for 2 seconds, feeling your stomach move outward.
- Purse your lips and exhale slowly through your mouth, pressing lightly on your stomach. This will enhance your diaphragm’s ability to release air.
Tip: Repeat the exercise as much as you can. Talk to your doctor if you face any difficulty.
COPD and Exercise Precautions
You may experience shortness of breath, but that does not mean you should stop exercising. Talk to your doctor about your exercise schedule.
If you experience any of the symptoms below during exercise, stop your COPD exercise program immediately.
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Severe shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in your chest, arm, neck, jaw, or shoulder
Always consult a doctor before starting a COPD exercise program.
