Tips for Increasing Lung Capacity

Shrinking lung capacity can happen for a host of reasons. As we age, our lung capacity tends to diminish. Many lung diseases like COPD and asthma also reduce healthier lung capacities. Feeling winded, out of breath, or tired after climbing a set of stairs can be frustrating. We all want to be able to move about our lives without having to take a break in order to catch a breath. Believe it or not, a person's lung capacity may be an indicator of longevity. 

On the average, your lungs can hold about 5 liters of air. It is your body's job to deliver that oxygen to your working muscles whenever you are engaged in physical activity. Fortunately, there are things that can be done to expand the lungs and make breathing a bit easier. 

•   Incorporate regular cardiovascular exercise like riding a bike, walking or swimming into your daily routine. Once again, the old standby warning, if you don't use it, you'll lose it, still applies. 
•          Yoga, a form of exercise that focuses on breathing, can be very beneficial when trying to preserve or increase lung capacity. There are different forms of yoga, but all of them do spend time on breathing techniques. 
•          Breathing exercises such as pursed-lipped breathing are designed to help improve lung function even before you start activities or exercising. Like stretching exercises to warm up your muscles, breathing exercises get the lungs prepared for expansion. It only takes about 10 minutes to do a breathing exercise. 
•          Have you always wanted to play a musical instrument. Well, besides entertaining your family with the sound of music, many wind or brass instruments also have the added benefit of improving lung capacity. Singing can also have the same benefits. So go ahead and sing in the shower if you feel like it.  

Of course, if you are suffering from COPD or lung diseases, you will want to make sure that you talk to your doctor about any form of exercise that could improve your lung capacity. Keeping your treatment plan up-to-date with appropriate medications such as generic Advair and therapies is always advised.