Johns Hopkins Health Alert
Doing More With Emphysema
A reader asks: I have emphysema. Are there any exercises I can do to strengthen my lungs? Here’s the answer, and it may surprise you ...
Emphysema is a disorder characterized by destruction of lung tissue, including its elastic fibers. By reducing elasticity of the lungs and destroying the walls of some of the air sacs, emphysema leads to the collapse of the airways, reducing airflow.
In fact, it's not possible to strengthen your lungs, because lungs don't have muscles that can be reconditioned. But you can strengthen the muscles that expand the lungs -- the diaphragm and the intercostal muscles between the ribs. By strengthening these muscles, you may be able to delay the shortness of breath you experience during activity due to emphysema.
Joining a pulmonary rehabilitation program can help. In addition to strengthening chest muscles, you learn how to work your leg muscles, which, if you have emphysema, allows you to walk further before becoming short of breath.
The bottom line: When you aren't active, your muscles get weaker. But staying active will build and maintain your strength, keep your joints flexible, and improve your stamina -- letting you do more.
Posted in Lung Disorders on August 19, 2010
Reviewed January 2011
Medical Disclaimer: This information is not intended to substitute for the advice of a physician. Click here for additional information: Johns Hopkins Health Alerts Disclaimer
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