Breathing Treatments for Lung Cancer

One of the ways lung cancer affects patients is in the area of respiration. Patients experience difficulty breathing, whether as a symptom of the disease or as a side effect of the treatment undertaken. To offset this, some breathing techniques used for lung cancer can help manage its effects.

Need

• The breathing techniques used for lung cancer are designed to relieve the shortness of breath experienced by patients. Research has shown that many patients fear the possibility of suffocation when they feel breathless during physical activities like climbing stairs. In more advanced stages of cancer, even sitting down can cause strain on respiration.

Principle

• To combat shortness of breath, breathing treatments for lung cancer aim to teach patients to use breathing techniques that utilize more of their lungs. Most people tend to take shallow breaths that only make use of the top half of the lungs. This tendency is more pronounced in those with cancer. Breathing techniques allow people to take deeper breaths that increase the intake of oxygen.

Process

• One of the breathing techniques used for lung cancer goes like this: the patient sits or leans against a sturdy support structure, like a wall, and lowers the chin to the chest. This will help relax the muscles in the neck. The patient then inhales and exhales in short bursts of air coming from the lips. As the air is released, the neck and chest muscles should be in a relaxed position. After this, the patient inhales through the nose and exhales through the mouth. Finally, only the nose is used to breathe. This exercise usually alleviates shortness of breath.

Nebulizer

• For patients who need more assistance with breathing treatments for lung cancer, a mechanical apparatus may be used. A compressor can be used to take the air in a particular room and collect it for a nebulizer, where medication, if needed, can be placed. The air will then create a fine mist, which can be inhaled through the use of a mask or mouthpiece. The supervision of a doctor in using a nebulizer or a compressor to aid in lung cancer treatment is needed, as some of these machines may be stronger than others. A doctor will be able to ascertain which of these is best for each patient.

Maintenance

• When using equipment to help with breathing treatments, keep everything clean so that the risk of infection is minimized. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to maintain it and how long it can be used. Some nebulizers can only be used for several sessions, while others, called durable nebulizers, can last from 6 to 12 months. Whatever the case, the machine, particularly those parts that come in contact with the nose and mouth, should be sterilized with bleach or alcohol before use.