How respiratory muscle strength training can benefit COPD patients

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) makes it hard to breathe, and many of us with the disease know that breathing exercises can help. Still, a study published in October in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases: Journal of the COPD Foundation suggested that a combined inspiratory (inhalation) and expiratory (exhalation) muscle strength training device can help strengthen the muscles that aid in breathing.

The authors noted that “few studies have evaluated the combined use of combined [inspiratory and expiratory muscle strength training] in COPD.” While more research is needed, the findings indicated that this combined program could potentially improve dyspnea, or shortness of breath.

The study doesn’t note which devices were used, but I’ve used two breathing trainers: the Portex Acapella and the Breather.

Before I began researching for this column, I didn’t consider the Acapella a breathing trainer. I saw it as a device to help bring up mucus, as it was prescribed to me in November when I had pneumonia.

The Breather is an exercise trainer designed to help strengthen the lungs. I used it for about a month and thought I saw some improvement in my breathing, but I grew tired of it. This new research prompted me to start using it again.

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Causes of breathlessness in COPD

While respiratory muscle weakness can contribute to breathlessness in COPD, many other factors can cause dyspnea, including oxidative stress, respiratory overload, lung hyperinflation, peripheral muscle dysfunction, and declines in lung function.

Because exercise can induce shortness of breath, many people with COPD avoid physical activity. However, that choice can result in muscle deconditioning, which can make it harder to breathe.

One possible cause of oxidative stress is smoking, which can cause lung inflammation and damage to the alveoli (the air sacs in the lungs). Because the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide occurs in the alveoli, damage to these sacs can lead to breathing difficulty. Moreover, lung inflammation can cause hyperinflation, which often makes it painful to bend over and do various forms of exercise. As noted above, lack of exercise can further contribute to dyspnea.

In addition to physical deconditioning, poor nutrition can also lead to muscle loss. Therefore, eating a healthy, balanced diet is important for maintaining muscle strength.

Solutions

While a respiratory muscle strength training device can be a helpful tool, there are other ways to improve lung health and strength.

One of the most important things a person can do to improve their lung health is to quit smoking, though I know it’s far easier said than done. I tried many times to quit, but was never able to do so until I ended up in the hospital with a collapsed lung. Not being able to take a deep breath scared me right into quitting, and nicotine patches helped.

Another important tool is pulmonary rehabilitation. Both smoking cessation and pulmonary rehab have been shown to decrease mortality risk, allowing people to live longer.

Another benefit of pulmonary rehab is that you learn a lot about lung health. The program can help you develop an action plan so that you know when it’s time to seek medical treatment. I never knew when to go to the doctor for my symptoms until I developed my action plan.

It’s also important to continue being active after your pulmonary rehab sessions have ended. Exercising our inspiratory and expiratory muscles is crucial.

Speak with your clinician about how you can strengthen your lungs, and ask if respiratory muscle training is right for you. I’ll continue to use my breathing devices and hope for satisfactory results.

Note: COPD News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of COPD News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.