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I have hyperinflated lungs that severely limit my movements. Can't bend over without completely losing my breath. Don't qualify for lung volume reduction surgery or endobronchial valves. At my wit's end as to how to cope with this. Help!
My heart goes out to you,
. That must be horribly uncomfortable. Here is an article about hyperinflated lungs that includes a discussion of a few nonsurgerical treatments: https://copd.net/living/causes-treatment-hyperinflated-lungs. I hope you find something in the article that helps and that you get some relief. Gentle hugs. - Lori (Team Member)
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I don't understand how your medical team has not been able to help your condition. One thing to try is pursed lip breathing. Breathe in through your nose for a count of 2, 4 or whatever is comfortable, and then purse your lips like blowing out a candle and exhale for twice as long as your inhale. A 4 count inhale = an 8 count exhale. That forces all the air out of your lungs and helps hyperinflation. I can't say it is going to cure it because I am not a doctor. I am just a COPD sufferer like yourself. This is what I do when I have problems getting a deep breathe. You can also follow that up with a huff cough. Look that up on YouTube for a video on how to do that. The only other thing I can suggest is contact your medical provider. If they do not help you with your condition, then find a medical team that will. Take care and God Bless!I appreciate your feedback, but these things are very old news to me. My hyperinflated lungs are such that they press down mightily on my diaphragm, limiting its ability to move and thereby impairing the inhalation/exhalation process. As for finding an alternative medical provider, I have consulted numerous times with pulmonologists from U of MN and Mayo Clinic. Also, beyond having completed 18 weeks of pulmonary rehab, I regularly do cardio & weights at gym (using Inogen portable oxygen concentrator. I need a clinical trial utilizing stem cell treatment to accept me. Lung regeneration is the only hope there is.
Is there a particular reason why you don't qualify for volume reduction? Have they suggested any alternatives? Clearly you've been successful completing pulmonary rehab, so I'm curious about why you wouldn't be a good candidate. No pressure to share if you don't want to. -Melissa, team member
