Along with undergoing treatment, persons with late-stage lung cancer are asked to do breathing exercises. It might seem impossible to do these exercises while struggling to breathe but there are benefits of practicing these breathing exercises and a reason your doctor insists on them.
Let’s look at the types of exercises that typically help and how they benefit your healing lungs.
Typical Breathing Exercises For Advanced Lung Cancer
Currently, there are four types of breathing exercises that are recommended for persons with advanced lung cancer.
The ones your doctor suggests will depend on your current lung capacity as well as what your doctor would like you to focus on.
Of course, as you improve, there could be changes in the exercises and additional recommendations for more physical activity.
- Pursed Lip Breathing – This involves standing upright, taking a deep breath through your nose, and exhaling through pursed lips as if you’re whistling. The inhale and exhale should be equal in length.
- Diaphragmatic Breathing (also called Belly Breathing) – In this one, place a hand on your stomach while standing, sitting, or lying down. Inhale through your nose and then exhale through your mouth for at least twice as long as the inhale. While exhaling, push your stomach inward and upward.
- Relaxation Breathing – While standing or sitting, take a deep breath through your nose. Hold that breath for two seconds. Press gently on your navel while exhaling from your mouth for at least five seconds.