How to Improve Breathing and Lung Function Naturally?

It is no surprise that breathing might be difficult for those who have lung cancer. Chest tightness, exhaustion, and shortness of breath are typical symptoms that might interfere with day-to-day activities and mental health in lung cancer. Seek guidance and support from your expert for lung cancer treatment in Siliguri or near you. 

Even if you have lung cancer or are recovering from lung cancer treatment, there are safe, natural, and efficient ways to enhance your breathing and lung function. These techniques can support your therapy, improve oxygen flow, and give you a greater sense of control over your body. However, this doesn’t mean they take the place of medical care.

How Breathing Is Affected by Lung Cancer: Overview

• Breathing can be impacted by lung cancer in multiple ways:

• Airways may become narrowed or blocked by tumor development.

• The lungs may be compressed by a buildup of fluid (pleural effusion).

• Lung flexibility may be diminished by radiation or surgical scarring, or inflammation.

• Anxiety and exhaustion can make it more difficult to breathe effectively or deeply.

Many lung cancer patients report feeling as though they have trouble breathing, especially when they are exercising. It is crucial to concentrate on natural breathing support strategies because of this. You must know that breathlessness can be lessened by teaching your body to use oxygen more effectively.

Practice Breathing Exercises Every Day

Diaphragmatic breathing, often known as belly breathing, is one of the most effective ones. This easy yet effective exercise helps your lungs expand more fully and strengthens the diaphragm, which is your primary breathing muscle.

How you can do it:

1. Place one hand on your tummy and one on your chest while you comfortably sit or lie down.

2. Breathe in slowly via your nose, allowing your stomach to rise rather than your chest.

3. Gently tighten your abdominal muscles and exhale slowly through pursed lips.

4. Twice a day, repeat for five to ten minutes.

Hence, this exercise promotes deeper breathing, enhances oxygen exchange, and can lessen dyspnea or anxiety.

Pursed-Lip Breathing

Another highly effective practice is this. It helps you manage shortness of breath by slowing down your breathing rate.

How you can do it:

1. Take a two-second breath in through your nose.

2. As if blowing out a candle, purse your lips.

3. Breathe out slowly for four seconds.

4. When you start to feel breathless, repeat as necessary.

Pursed-lip breathing increases the efficiency of each breath and keeps air from becoming trapped in your lungs.

Segmental Breathing

Specifically, following surgery or radiation therapy, segmental breathing helps you activate various lung regions that may be underutilized.

How you can do:

1. Put a little cloth or your hands on the sides of your rib cage.

2. Feel your ribcage expand beneath your palms as you take a big breath.

3. Feel your ribcage drop as you slowly exhale.

4. Give it 10–15 times over.

Segmental enhances your lung flexibility and facilitates healing following lung surgery or therapies.

Improve Posture for Better Breathing

A lot of individuals are unaware that respiration is impacted by posture. Your diaphragm and lungs cannot expand as much when you slouch.

How you can do it:

1. With your chest open and shoulders relaxed, sit up straight.

2. If you sit for extended periods of time, use a cushion to support your lower back.

3. Imagine your head being slowly pulled upward by a cord while you are standing.

4. To clear your airways, frequently stretch your shoulders and chest.

You should try the "chest opener stretch" as an extra exercise. Gently raise your hands now. Then, interlace your fingers behind your back, and inhale deeply for thirty seconds. This increases oxygen flow and broadens the chest.

Maintain Your Exercise (In Your Comfort Zone)

Exercise is one of the most natural strategies that can really enhance your lung function, even though it may seem difficult while you're having trouble breathing.

The importance of movement:

• It makes the muscles used for breathing stronger.

• Enhances the supply of oxygen to tissues.

• Increases vitality and lessens weariness.

• Lowers anxiety and improves mood.

Try these safe exercises:

Walking: Take short, leisurely walks at first.

Yoga or stretching: Promotes relaxation and flexibility.

Light resistance training: Maintaining muscle strength is aided by light resistance training.

Water-based workouts: Kind to the lungs and joints.

Prior to beginning any workout regimen, you should always consult with your healthcare expert, like a cancer specialist, pulmonologist, or general physician. Pay attention to your body; take breaks as necessary and progressively increase your level of workouts.

Eat Foods That Support Your Lung Health

Supporting lung function and recuperation is largely dependent on nutrition. An anti-inflammatory, well-balanced diet can boost immunity, lessen oxidative stress, and facilitate breathing. Discuss food tips with your lung cancer doctors in Siliguri city or near you.

Foods that are good for the lungs include:

• Leafy greens: Antioxidants abound in spinach, kale, and arugula.

• Citrus fruits: Vitamin C from oranges, lemons, and grapefruits strengthens immunity.

• Berries: Strawberries and blueberries are rich in substances that reduce inflammation.

• Fatty fish: Omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation, are found in salmon, sardines, and mackerel.

• Onions and garlic: Help enhance lung function and remove mucus.

• Green tea: Antioxidants found in green tea help shield lung tissue.

Foods You Must Limit (Quick Insights)

• Processed meats

• Fried foods

• Sugary beverages

• Alcoholic or soda drinks

• Too much salt (may result in fluid retention)

Expert advice: Drink plenty of water because breathing becomes easier when you drink enough water/ fluid, which dilutes the mucus in your lungs.

Practice Relaxation and Stress Management

Stress and anxiety play havoc with our well-being. They can make breathing more challenging for lung cancer patients. Your body tends to breathe quickly and shallowly when you're nervous. And, this event might lead to shortness of breath or dyspnea.

Among the ways of natural relaxation are:

• Mindfulness meditation: During mindfulness meditation, pay attention to your breathing and bodily sensations

• Guided imagery: Imagine breathing smoothly and with calm, open airways.

• Progressive muscular relaxation: To relieve tension, tense and relax your muscles.

• Music: Listening to relaxing music or the sounds of nature.

NOTE: For best results, try combining deep breathing with relaxing techniques; however, do not force yourself. Ensure comfort and relaxation. 

Keep Yourself from Lung Irritants and Pollutants

When a person has lung cancer, it's critical to protect the lungs from irritants.

Easy steps to take:

• Avoid both secondhand smoke and smoking.

• On days with a lot of pollution or smoke, stay inside.

• Utilize a home air purifier.

• Make sure your house is dust-free and mold-free.

• Avoid harsh chemical cleaning products and strong scents.

If you live in a city with bad air quality, you might want to check the daily air quality reports before heading outside or wear a mask. For effective lung cancer treatment in Siliguri and recovery, talk to the leading doctors.