Lung disease reduces the oxygen supply to the entire body, leading to fatigue and exhaustion in patients.
Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), especially in its advanced stages. COPD is a long-term progressive lung disease that includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Studies show that approximately 50-70% of individuals with chronic lung disease often experience fatigue.
According to Dr. Mai Manh Tam, Deputy Head of the Respiratory Department at Tam Anh General Hospital in Hanoi, individuals with COPD have difficulty taking oxygen into their lungs and expelling carbon dioxide. The lack of oxygen and the accumulation of carbon dioxide can cause patients to feel tired and low on energy.
In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the walls between small air sacs weaken and rupture, creating large areas that do not participate in gas exchange, reducing the surface area of the lungs, limiting the amount of oxygen that reaches the blood, and causing carbon dioxide to accumulate in the lungs. Additionally, chronic bronchitis is characterized by excessive mucus production. Therefore, breathing becomes more difficult, requiring patients to exert more effort and expend more energy, further increasing fatigue.
When a person feels fatigued, they tend to self-restrict their participation in physical activities, leading to a gradual decrease in their physical endurance. In severe cases of lung disease, patients may experience fatigue and shortness of breath even during daily activities such as household chores, personal hygiene, and simple recreational activities.
Dr. Manh Tam states that although there is currently no complete cure for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, if the condition is well managed, symptoms such as fatigue and shortness of breath can be significantly improved. Treatment includes bronchodilator inhalers to relax or open the airways, expectorants to facilitate the expulsion of mucus, and antibiotics for acute infections. In severe cases, non-invasive ventilation support may be applied, combined with oxygen therapy.
The lack of oxygen and the accumulation of carbon dioxide can cause patients to feel fatigued and low on energy. (Image: Freepik)
Additionally, Dr. Tam recommends that patients consider easy breathing exercises that can be performed at home to support respiratory function, such as:
Pursed Lip Breathing: Pursed lip breathing is a common exercise often recommended for individuals experiencing shortness of breath. Patients should inhale through the nose, then exhale slowly through pursed lips as if blowing out a candle throughout the process. The exhalation time should be at least twice as long as the inhalation time. Repeat similarly until breath control is achieved.
Diaphragmatic Breathing: Diaphragmatic breathing helps strengthen the diaphragm, maximizing the intake of oxygen into the body. Keep one hand on the abdomen while taking a deep breath through the nose, then gently push air out of the abdomen while exhaling.
Breathing During Exercise: Breathing while exercising can be an effective way to control breath. Learning to regulate breathing during exercise also helps with overall respiration. For instance, while walking, practice inhaling during certain steps and exhaling during others. Or combine breathing with weightlifting, exhaling while lifting weights and inhaling while lowering them.
Controlled Coughing: Individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or other respiratory issues often have excessive mucus in their lungs. Controlled coughing (unlike a cough caused by a cold) can actually be beneficial. The cough originates deep within the lungs to provide the necessary force to thin and expel thick mucus from the airways.
Patients should perform this by crossing their arms in front of their abdomen and inhaling through the nose. When exhaling, lean slightly forward while pressing both hands into the abdomen. Open the mouth gently and cough twice. Each cough should be brief, deep, and engage the diaphragm (the muscle located between the abdomen and chest). Afterwards, inhale slowly through the nose to prevent mucus from being pushed back down the airways. Rest and repeat if necessary.
Dr. Tam notes that in addition to breathing exercises, lung patients should also maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and prioritize their health. If smoking, it is advisable to quit to pursue a healthier lifestyle.
