Breathing exercises for seniors with Methothelioma 

​Everyone knows exercise is important for their health and wellness. This is especially true for people living with a chronic disease such as mesothelioma cancer.

Unfortunately, many people with or without mesothelioma struggle to maintain a consistent exercise routine. As a result, their overall health and wellness may deteriorate.

To prevent this, people can add simple exercise movements to their daily lives.
For those with mesothelioma, breathing exercises are a great way to start.

Importance of Breathing Exercises
Mesothelioma is an aggressive, asbestos-related cancer most commonly affecting the lining of the lungs, which is known as the pleura.

In fact, an estimated 70-90 percent of cases are diagnosed as pleural mesothelioma. Patients diagnosed with type of cancer must often cope with difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, chest pain and a variety of other respiratory complications.

Living with these side effects and symptoms is understandably difficult. Breathing exercises can make a significant difference in maintaining cardiovascular health, lowering stress levels and improving quality of life.

Before beginning any pulmonary routine or breathing techniques, it’s important for patients to speak with their mesothelioma specialist. Adding these elements to a treatment plan can make a huge difference, but it is crucial for a physician to track any health changes.

Breathing Exercises
Depending on which technique you are performing, you may have different goals in minds. Some exercises help to open up airways and make breathing easier for patients; others work to control respiratory rates and manage breathing patterns.

Pursed-lip Breathing
The goal of pursed-lip breathing is to slow your respiratory rate. When cancer patients feel out of breath, it’s normal for their heart rate to increase, which ultimately worsens their shortness of breath. That's when patients should try pursed-lip breathing.

• Breathe in slowly through your nose.
• Try to hold your breath for approximately three seconds.
• Purse your lips as if you are trying to whistle.
• Breathe out slowly through your pursed lips. Try to release your breath over a span of six seconds.

This type of breathing can be done anywhere, but it is especially helpful when you are feeling anxious or overwhelmed. By focusing solely on your breath, you can lower your stress level and heart rate, making you more relaxed and in control.

Diaphragmatic and Abdominal Breathing
Much like pursed-lips breathing, the goal of abdominal breathing is to slow your breathing rate. In addition, it works to relax your whole body. Because it's a full-body technique, it is best performed in your home or office.

• Lie on your back in a comfortable position. If needed, place a pillow under your head and knees.
• Rest one hand on your abdomen, just below your rib cage. Place your other hand on your chest.
• Slowly breathe in and out through your nose, focusing on your abdominal muscles. You should notice the hand on your abdomen rising and falling with each breath. Focus on that hand. The hand on your chest should remain relatively still.
• Repeat this process three to four times before resting.
• If it helps, close your eyes and try to focus mainly on your diaphragm and abdomen expanding and collapsing.
  
  

Both of these breathing exercises can have a significant impact on a mesothelioma survivor’s health and wellness. In addition to improving lung function and lowering stress levels, patients may notice a higher quality of life and a more relaxed outlook. Beginning a new routine is never easy, but don’t give up. Remember to speak with your physician before trying any new exercise regimen.