Emphysema Fatigue: How To Boost Energy Levels

Although symptoms of emphysema may seem only slight inconveniences at first, it’s important to live a lifestyle that allows as much energy as possible for daily tasks and to simply enjoy life.

Check your vitals regularly, and know that a significant decline in your pulmonary function indicates that it’s time to see a doctor.

Let’s talk about Emphysema Fatigue: How to Boost Energy Levels. There are a number of considerations and things a person can do feel better and have more energy.

Pursed-Lip Breathing

This technique involves learning how to inhale through the nose and exhale, slowly, through pursed lips. The pursed-lip breathing method can help reduce shortness of breath while doing any physical activity.

Mastering this technique can help keep anxiety from becoming panic during an acute attack of shortness of breath.

Prioritize

Try simplifying tasks and setting realistic goals. When contending with a chronic condition, it’s sometimes necessary to change the way we do things. If you try to do too much, you may run out of energy before the end of the day.

Plan ahead for chores, exercise and recreation, and do things that require more energy during times when you feel your best.

Plan to Rest

Get a good night’s sleep, and elevate your head while sleeping. Don’t over-nap during the day—otherwise, you may not be able to fall sleep at night, making emphysema fatigue worse. If you feel tired during an activity, it’s ok to stop and rest.

Take care of all your grooming activities while sitting down. If you feel exhausted, ask for help. For more energy-saving tips, ask your doctor for a referral to an occupational therapist.

General Health Tips to Conserve Energy and Fight Emphysema Fatigue

1. Quit Smoking

As we’ve mentioned before, smoking is among the worst health choices anyone can make and the first step for anyone suffering the effects of emphysema. Smoking saps your strength and further damages the lungs, and for a person with emphysema, it’s critical to avoid worsening the symptoms of lung disease. 

If you have quit, congratulations. It’s a Big Deal, and living smoke-free will afford you more energy for daily activities, especially in the long run.

2. Get a Flu & COVID Shot

Perhaps the most important element of emphysema disease management is maintaining one’s health. Through diet, nutrition and regular exercise, it’s possible to provide the body with more natural energy through simple exercise and getting immunizations for COVID, the flu and other infectious viruses.

Unfortunately, complications of COVID, flu and pneumonia are common in those with a respiratory illness, which can worsen emphysema fatigue. To avoid this, stay up-to-date on immunizations.

3. Get Outside

According to the Journal of Environmental Psychology, spending time in fresh air, surrounded by nature, increases energy in 90 percent of people. Natural surroundings provide fuel for our souls, so if lung disease is sapping your energy, consider taking a walk outdoors instead of reaching for a cup of coffee or an energy drink.

Emphysema can be a devastating disease if left untreated, and time can be a factor in any decision.