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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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