How the lungs work?
Lungs absorb oxygen from the air. We breathe with the muscles in the rib-cage and a sheet of muscle called the diaphragm, which sits beneath the lungs and above the abdomen. The lungs contain tubes and small air sacs. Each air sac is covered with a mesh of blood vessels called capillaries and oxygen enters the blood via these capillaries. When oxygen levels are too low, the brain sends a signal to the lungs, telling them to work harder.

Lung diseases
There are many diseases that stop lungs from working as good as they could. Some of these diseases are asthma, emphysema, bronchiectasis, chronic bronchitis etc.

Breathing is difficult
A person with lung disease has to work harder to get enough oxygen. They often use extra muscles to breathe, such as the muscles of the neck and shoulders. If the lungs are stiff and inflexible, the diaphragm has to work harder too. This is very tiring. Feeling short of breath is one of the most common symptoms of lung disease.

Benefit of breathingexercises
Breathing exercise --

• Improve the strength of the diaphragm
• Helps to get more air into the lungs
• Help bring up deep-seated mucous
• Keep the lungs and chest wall mobile.

Some examples of breathing exercises
You should consult your physiotherapist before starting any new exercise programme.

Relaxed deep breathing: Sit down, relax your shoulders, and breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. Your abdomen should move in and out while you are breathing. This shows you are using your diaphragm.

Prolonged breathing out: Breathe in for two counts and breathe out for three or four counts. This helps to expel any trapped air.

Physical exercise: You may be avoiding activities that make you feel short of breath. This can reduce your lung function even more. Make sure you talk over the possibilities of an exercise program with your doctor or health practitioner before you start.

Some examples of physical activity include --
Walking: Perhaps start off with a few minutes each week and build up slowly.
Stretching: To keep your muscles supple.
Weight training: Using small hand-held dumbbells.
Tai Chi: Tai Chi relies on breathing techniques and slow graceful movements which relax and rejuvenate the body, help to boost energy, calm the mind, and improve posture and balance.

Hydrotherapy: Exercise done in water.

Don't push yourself. If you start feeling short of breath -- stop, sit down and practice your breathing exercises.

Hospitals with respiratory units often run pulmonary (lungs and airways) rehabilitation courses. The courses may be twice a week for six weeks and they use a holistic approach.

Things to remember

• Breathing can be much harder for someone with lung disease.
• Breathing exercises and light physical activity can help.
• Always consult a doctor or health practitioner before starting any type of exercise programme.

The writer is a physiotherapist in Gono Bishwabidyalay.