Breathing Exercises to Improve Post Stroke Pneumonia
Pneumonia is one of the most common complications that may result from a Stroke. The Pneumonia is caused by not being able to move from Stroke and can result in breathing and swallowing complications. In addition to seeking medical treatment Stroke patients my additionally consider working with a speech pathologist as well as practicing breathing exercises that may improve both breathing and swallowing functions. “Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. The air sacs may fill with fluid or pus (purulent material), causing cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. A variety of organisms, including bacteria, viruses and fungi, can cause pneumonia.”-www.mayoclinic.org. By working to improve your lung capacity you will strengthen your respiratory muscles and breathe easier. Additionally, resistance based breathing exercises may help remove congestion in the airways that is often caused by Pneumonia.
Using a breathing resistance exerciser like Expand-A-Lung is a simple and effective breathing exercise that can be used daily for Stroke patients or anyone that suffers from Pneumonia. It is recommended to start with little resistance and gradually increase the resistance as your respiratory muscles become stronger. The resistance also works as an expectorant to help decongest the airways.
In addition to practicing breathing resistance exercises all Pneumonia patients can benefit from learning how to cough effectively. Rhythmic breathing and coughing is a great way to train this function. However, one should exercise caution when attempting this method. “To help effectively clear the lungs, a patient recovering from pneumonia may need to practice how to cough effectively. The University Of Maryland Medical Center, suggests talking with a respiratory therapist to learn the correct process.
This technique involves lightly tapping the chest and back to loosen and mucus. Then take three to four rhythmic breaths. This is followed by producing a deep cough to help clear the lungs. It is important to learn this technique from a trained professional, as forceful coughing the wrong way can do more harm than good.” www.livestrong.com
If you are motivated by progress you may also consider an incentive spirometer which you can use to measure the success of your breathing resistance exerciser. The goal of using a spirometer is to move the ball as high as possible with each breath. When you strengthen your respiratory muscles by training with Expand-A-Lung you will start to see the ball go up higher. Using the spirometer is another way to inspire deep diaphragmatic breathing which also has a great health benefit.
While breathing exercises can improve your health and quality of life it is still important to seek medical attention and guidance when suffering from Pneumonia (especially when related to Stroke).
