HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Does Exercising Help Prevent Stage-1 COPD Levels From Increasing?

default
Posted on Mon, 6 Feb 2017
Question: Good afternoon. First, I've been told I've stage 1 COPD I test my oxygen level several times throughout the day with the small 'finger instrument'. At rest the measurement usually is in the 92 to 94 level. I treadmill daily at a 2.2 MPH level for 5 to 6 min. This measuring device will record a range from 84'ish through 92/94 but usually at the 89/90 level. When i exert myself, such as walking up a slight incline or household chores and it immediatelycan measure or register 84'ish, with a rather quick recovery to the 90's. My question is, can exercise hold or prevent COPD levels increasing . Last, my doctor prescribes a daily [one time] breathing prescription.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shashi Dangwal (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Yes physical exercise may help.

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX,

Thanks for posting your query on HCM.

Any physical exercise is good for overall general health, hence it may improve your stamina and delay the progression of COPD. You should also do deep breathing exercises which will help you. The first line of treatment of COPD is smoking cessation, so please stop smoking if you are a smoker. Preventing acute exacerbation is another important measure. So you should consult your doctor immediately on first sign of worsening of your symptoms. Continue with your inhaler as that will also help further deterioration.

Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Shashi Dangwal (9 hours later)
Thank you for the response. Have not smoked for 25 years [fortunately]. Question please; isn't exercise a form of exacerbation? How do I manage this issue when in fact exercise can help mitigated the COPD progression. Last, does COPD always [usually] continue on a path of breathing disfunction.
Thank you
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shashi Dangwal (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
No exercise is not a form of acute exacerbation.

Detailed Answer:

No exercise is not a form of exacerbation. The oxygen saturation may dip momentarily as one starts exercising which is very normal. It rises immediately as you have also observed.With exercise newer airways open up which may otherwise lie in a state of collapse. Acute exacerbations are mostly a result of some infection.

Yes COPD is a progressive disorder but it can be controlled or progression can be even halted with measures like smoking cessation, regular medication, avoiding exacerbation and pulmonary rehabilitation.

Hope this answers your query.

Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Shashi Dangwal (1 hour later)
Thank you for your good commentary. Can you direct me to a Breathing Exercise cite you feel does a good [excellent] job in describing recommended breathing exercise.

This is my final request. Again, thank you for guidance/response.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shashi Dangwal (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
You have to consult a respiratory therapist to for breathing exercises.

Detailed Answer:
No I am not aware of any site which can teach breathing exercises. You have to consult a respiratory therapist to learn the breathing exercises. They are generally available at pulmonary rehabilitation centres. You may google to find the pulmonary rehabilitation centre near your place of residence.

Wishing you the best.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Shashi Dangwal

Pulmonologist

Practicing since :1979

Answered : 1157 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Does Exercising Help Prevent Stage-1 COPD Levels From Increasing?

Brief Answer: Yes physical exercise may help. Detailed Answer: Hello XXXX, Thanks for posting your query on HCM. Any physical exercise is good for overall general health, hence it may improve your stamina and delay the progression of COPD. You should also do deep breathing exercises which will help you. The first line of treatment of COPD is smoking cessation, so please stop smoking if you are a smoker. Preventing acute exacerbation is another important measure. So you should consult your doctor immediately on first sign of worsening of your symptoms. Continue with your inhaler as that will also help further deterioration. Take care.