Lung Health News, Fall 2003 / Winter 2004
People with lung disease often feel like they struggle just to breathe, so exercise seems out of the question. But the fact is regular exercise can help make everything seem less of a struggle, especially daily activities.
More than 30 million Americans face the breathlessness associated with chronic lung diseases such as asthma, emphysema, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
"The lungs are trainable," says Ric Sletten, MD, team physician and director of sports medicine at California State University, Northridge, and volunteer for the American Lung Association of California. "You can't restore lung function that has been lost, but you can improve the lung's ability to take in oxygen."
Exercise also helps by strengthening leg and arm muscles and building endurance, which reduces breathlessness over time and greatly improves stamina. By following a regular exercise routine, shopping, cleaning and just moving around can be easier and more comfortable. Studies also show that regular activity helps to reduce the depression and anxiety that often comes with lung disease.
Talk to the Doctor
But before starting any exercise routine, people with lung disease should first consult their doctors to ensure it is the right exercise plan and learn about any precautions that need to be taken concerning medications.
"They should ask their doctor about pre-treating with their prescribed inhaler medication to stabilize the lung lining before they begin their exercise routine," Dr. Sletten says. "I tell my patients to take their inhaler with them in case they need it."
As with anybody starting a new fitness routine, people with lung disease need to start slowly. The goal is to gradually get in better shape by gradually increasing the amount of exercise time.
Walking is the one of the best exercises for people with lung disease. Yoga, tai chi, and other activities that emphasize breathing techniques and balanced movements are also very beneficial.
"I always encourage people with asthma to try swimming," Dr. Sletten says. "The moist air at the surface of the water seems to stabilize the lung and prevent an attack."
Exercise Indoors When Outdoor Air Quality Is Bad
Everyone should avoid exercising outdoors when air quality is bad, especially people with lung disease. Air pollution can even hurt people who don't have lung disease.
Exercise makes everyone more vulnerable to health damage from air pollutants because when we exercise we draw more air into the lungs, exposing them to more harmful pollutants. We also breathe mostly through the mouth, bypassing the nose, which is the body's first line of defense against pollutants.
Pay attention to air pollution levels outdoors. Ozone air pollution, a main component of smog, is worse from May to October. Since sunlight contributes to the formation of smog, exercising in the morning can also help reduce exposure.
"Breathing in smog is like taking acid and putting it in your eye," Dr. Sletten says. "When you breathe it in it irritates the lung tissue and causes a huge inflammatory response."
When air pollution levels are high outdoors, it is best to exercise inside. Activities like swimming, yoga and tai chi can be done inside. Shopping malls are great places to walk a few laps indoors.
Even on days when overall air quality is good, avoid exercising in areas where pollution levels are high. For example, air quality is always worse near freeways, busy streets and industrial areas.
By taking some simple precautions to protect lung health, everyone can benefit from exercise, including people with lung disease.
For more information about activities and programs for people with lung disease, please call your local American Lung Association at 1.800.LUNG.USA or visit www.californialung.org.
