Is getting out of breath with exercise normal when you have COPD?
Getting out of breath with exercise is very common with COPD, even when you're taking your maintenance medications like Trelegy. The good news is there are several techniques and approaches that can help you manage this better.
Breathing techniques that can Show Full Answer
Is getting out of breath with exercise normal when you have COPD?
Getting out of breath with exercise is very common with COPD, even when you're taking your maintenance medications like Trelegy. The good news is there are several techniques and approaches that can help you manage this better.
Breathing techniques that can help:
- Pursed lip breathing: Breathe in slowly through your nose for about 2 seconds, then purse your lips (like blowing out a candle) and exhale for 4-6 seconds. This helps get more oxygen in and releases trapped air from your lungs.
- Diaphragmatic breathing: This belly breathing technique uses your diaphragm muscle rather than your neck and shoulder muscles. It takes practice but can really help with shortness of breath.
Consider pulmonary rehabilitation:
Many MyCOPDTeam members have found pulmonary rehab extremely helpful for managing breathlessness during activity. One member shared: "I go to Pulmonary Rehab 3 times a week been going for 11 years. If I Did not go to Rehab all these 11 years I would not be here today."
Another member noted: "Some good news the pulmonary rehab I'm going to seems to be working, Thursday they put my oxygen down to 2 liters from 3, and I was able to walk from the parking lot to rehab without getting out of breath."
Pulmonary rehab teaches exercises specifically designed to strengthen your breathing muscles and help you stay active with less breathlessness.
Regarding your multivitamin question, that's something best discussed with your doctor to ensure it doesn't interact with your COPD medications.
March 28
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