How to Improve Lung Function While Battling Lung Cancer

Battling any kind of cancer can be difficult, but fighting lung cancer can be compounded by decreased lung function. Shortness of breath is a common side effect of lung cancer that makes appropriate exercise and activity very difficult. Learning methods to improve your lung function is important to maintaining your active lifestyle.

Instructions

Improving Your Lung Function

• 1

  Stop smoking cigarettes immediately. Smoking narrows airways, inflames the insides of your lungs, and greatly reduces your lung capacity. Smoking alone can cause shortness of breath and reduce lung function, even if you don't have lung cancer. Ask you doctor for help if you are still smoking. Request assistance with medications and support to help you end this bad habit.

• 2

  Keep up with your exercise and activities if you can. Exercise keeps your lungs strong and helps your body battle lung cancer. Assess the level of exercise you can handle realistically, and plan to exercise in a comfortable place in case you have an attack of shortness of breath. If you become too short of breath, sit in a comfortable position that does not restrict your breathing. Think relaxing thoughts and avoid becoming anxious as you regain your breath.

• 3

  Ask your doctor about pulmonary rehabilitation. Pulmonary rehabilitation teaches you exercise methods that help keep your lungs strong while avoiding shortness of breath. Request a referral to a pulmonary rehabilitation provider. Make sure the provider is experienced handling chronic lung diseases like lung cancer. Check with your health insurance provider to make sure you are covered for this type of therapy.