Looking for breathing and lung strengthening exercise videos

Posted by marianm44 @marianm44, Jul 24, 2020

I was on this page several days ago and somehow was led to videos with breathing and lung strengthening exercises. A woman with short grey hair and blue shirt. I don’t remember how I got there. I want to continue these exercises. Anyone know where I need to go. Searches are not getting me there. Thanks.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Lung Health Support Group.

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Jul 27, 2020

In reply to @marianm44 "No. The only thing my pulmonologist suggested was an Acapella and Breo. I’m trying to develop..." + (show)

@marianm44 Hello and welcome to Mayo Connect. As you have already seen,there is a very helpful group here.

As for breathing exercises, it looks like you have now located the clip you were interested in. My own exercises are limited to use of the Acapella or Aerobika resistance vibratory device, "huff" coughing after saline nebs to clear the mucus and brisk walking to build my lung capacity. I hope to get back on my bicycle after my thumb heals from recent surgery so I have another exercise option.

As for Breo, my husband & I both found it terribly irritating to the throat and vocal chords, it actually took our voices away. After consultation with a new pulmonologist last year, we were switched to Flovent which is milder & seems to work just as well.

Finally, you are correct in your assessment of the antibiotic treatment for MAC being very difficult to tolerate for many people. After 18 months, we stopped mine in December, even though my sputum cultures still showed MAC because the antibiotics were making me sick and exhausted. I have been doing fine and feeling fine on 7% saline nebs plus airway clearance.

7% saline has been shown in studies to be inhospitable to the growth of the MAC bacteria, so even though I don't think of it as a cure, I believe it suppresses growth of the organisms. There is an extensive discussion about it here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/7-saline-solution/

Let us know if you have more questions.
Sue

marianm44 | @marianm44 | Jul 27, 2020

I have stopped the Breo. Didn’t think I could tell any difference when taking it. May resume come fall allergy time. I’ve read about 7% saline. Depending on how I’m doing, may ask my doctor about it on next visit. Currently, I do a saline nasal lovage. Not sure about how much it helps either when allergies are calm. Just trying to figure out what helps me and trying to stay well. One advantage of COVID is not being exposed to much of anything. But, we’ve got to figure out how to live life and be safe. Thanks for your input.

marianm44 | @marianm44 | Jul 27, 2020

In reply to @spudmato ""on the bike," try using a bike (preferably a combatant) that is programmed. It will allow..." + (show)

I have a recumbent bike. Just need to use it. It is programmable. So when I get ready, I think it will benefit me. With GA heat now and Spring/Fall allergies, outside exercise is not always my best solution. But, I love being outdoors.

Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Jul 28, 2020

In reply to @marianm44 "I have a recumbent bike. Just need to use it. It is programmable. So when I..." + (show)

@marianm44, @sueinmn: We just bought a nustep and I can't wait to use it. I think that after being confined because of COVID-19 a lot of people will love the outdoors more once we can safely be out there! lol. It's great that you are taking your time but also don't baby yourself if you aren't in extreme distress, or any distress. I tend to say to myself, "well maybe it will be better tomorrow, or maybe I need to rest", lol.

I assume that you have AC. The heat in RI is horrible too. So when the air is bad outside I will have a way to get my heart pumping indoors. I can't wait for it.

What kind of bike do you have?

nla4625 | @nla4625 | Apr 21, 2021

The Breather, described in this link, is a small hand-held device which helps the user strengthen muscles involved with breathing. It was recommended by a diaphragm physical therapist. I'm going to order one to see if it helps me. https://www.pnmedical.com/start/

Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Apr 22, 2021

In reply to @nla4625 "The Breather, described in this link, is a small hand-held device which helps the user strengthen..." + (show)

@nla4625- Good morning. The idea of this looks very similar to the incentive spirometer used in the hospital and then at home to help strengthen your muscles and lungs. Are you able to get out and walk or use an indoor aerobics machine?

joansmurphy | @joansmurphy | Nov 13, 2023

Google box breathing and diaphragmatic breathing. Both have helped me, not completely, but definitely helps.

restless1763 | @restless1763 | Feb 12 5:56pm

In reply to @colleenyoung "@gabrielm @merpreb do you have other videos to add?" + (show)

I found a good round of exercises on YouTube. Link below but if it doesn’t work it’s lungexercise just one word.

hold | @hold | Mar 23 12:44pm

I have COPD and just developed a pulmonary embolism (PE). I take spiriva inhaler every day and now also on a anti coagulant, Xaralto. Also on oxygen therapy that I use when I go outside. In the house, when I am sitting still watching TV or sleeping, I do not use oxygen. Any exercise, even putting on socks and shoes without the use of oxygen drops my blood oxygen level below 90. I go to the gym to enhance my endurance level using my portable oxygen pack. Any suggestions to further help in my rehabilitation
Harold Rubin

gbw | @gbw | Mar 25 2:02pm

I don't know who the person was you are looking for but a wonderful and free person on line who does excellent breathing exercises with you is Kitaro Waga he's so soothing and explains everything as you do it, He does Win Hof breathing but also other techniques, so if you're not into Win Hof don't be intimidated.