For those suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and have difficulty breathing, prescribing exercise might seem counterintuitive. But doctors say exercise can go a long way in helping COPD patients reverse the physical disability that results from inactivity.
As a result, less oxygen is required to complete daily tasks or activities, reducing the burden on the lungs.
“Even if you’re really, really short of breath and can barely go from your bed to the bathroom, you can still exercise,” Edelman said. Over time, your endurance will increase, as will the amount of activity you’re able to do.
If you aren’t currently prescribed oxygen but feel short of breath during exercise, talk with your doctor about taking an oxygen test. The test can determine whether your oxygen levels drop during exercise and if using oxygen can help make physical activity more manageable. “Some people have enough oxygen in the blood when sitting, but not during exercise,” Edelman said.
Finally, if you’re not sure what type of exercise is right for you or how much of it you should do, consider attending a pulmonary rehabilitation program. There, a team of doctors, nurses and specialists who can help you to develop a fitness plan that’s tailored to your needs and abilities, as well as provide breathing strategies, energy-conserving techniques and other types of education.
Disclaimer
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor and is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. Philips disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
