Nutrition Health Chat: Tuesday, Dec. 8th, 5-6 PM Eastern. Learn how vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients affect your health. Free live Q&A. Join us!
Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Respiratory Disorders (Expert Forum)
hyperinflated lungs
Answered by
CO
This forum is for questions and support regarding lung and respiratory issues such as: Allergies, Asthma, Bronchitis, Colds - Flu, Chronic Cough, COPD, Cystic Fibrosis, Emphysema, Fibrosis, Lung Abscess, Nasal Polyps, Pleurisy, Pneumonia, Sarcoidosis, Sinusitis, Tuberculosis.
hyperinflated lungs
by crud, Jan 05, 2009 01:07PM
I have COPD with an FEV1 of 47%. Lately I've been feeling bloated like watermelon. It feels like both my chest and my stomach are very filled with air. Does anybody in here know if this is how hyperinflated lungs make a person feel? If you have never had hyperinflated lungs then please dont attempt to answer this question--after all--how could you know!
Doctor's Answer
by National Jewish Health, Jan 14, 2009 05:52PM
, Jan 14, 2009 05:52PM
The bloating may or may not be related to your chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) but it is a common symptom, especially following meals. However, there are other causes of bloating and you should see your doctor to look for and rule-out the other possibilities, including gastrointestinal (GI) disease. It can also be related to air swallowing, especially if you eat fast, or due to exercise. Eating fast or eating large meals at a setting can also aggravate hyperinflation.
Many people with COPD experience “dynamic hyperinflation” with exercise; that is, hyperinflated lungs in the resting state, become even more hyperinflated as air is retained in the lungs with each breath when breathing is rapid. One way to counter this air retention is to use “pursed lip breathing”. You should discuss all of this with your doctor.
Good luck.
Many people with COPD experience “dynamic hyperinflation” with exercise; that is, hyperinflated lungs in the resting state, become even more hyperinflated as air is retained in the lungs with each breath when breathing is rapid. One way to counter this air retention is to use “pursed lip breathing”. You should discuss all of this with your doctor.
Good luck.
