Managing cough and breathlessness

This webinar features Amanda McAnulty, Senior Physiotherapist in pulmonary, cardiac and chronic disease rehabilitation, who shares her tips and advice for managing cough and breathlessness in PF. The session also includes a practical demonstration of airway clearance techniques.

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) often leads to breathlessness and reduced exercise capacity due to lung tissue scarring, which impairs oxygen intake. Managing breathlessness involves techniques like pacing activities, using prescribed medications, and quitting smoking to prevent further lung damage. Efficient breathing using the diaphragm, rather than the upper chest, can reduce breathlessness. Anxiety and fear can exacerbate symptoms, creating a vicious cycle. Addressing these factors through strategies like muscle strengthening and activity modification can improve breathlessness management, enhancing the quality of life for ILD patients.

For patients with breathlessness, using an arm-supported forward lean position can aid recovery by relaxing shoulder and chest muscles, allowing the diaphragm to work more efficiently. Different postures, such as sitting with a chair or leaning forward, can also be beneficial. Breathing control techniques, like diaphragmatic breathing, and using a handheld fan to create a cool draught over the face, can significantly reduce breathlessness. Managing anxiety, which often exacerbates breathlessness, is crucial for improving overall breathing efficiency.

Chronic cough in people with interstitial lung disease (ILD) can range from a minor nuisance to a significant issue, affecting daily activities and leading to fatigue and breathlessness. The exact cause is complex, often linked to lung scarring and increased airway sensitivity. Managing chronic cough involves identifying and avoiding triggers, staying hydrated, and using breathing exercises. Chronic coughing can also weaken pelvic floor muscles, leading to stress urinary incontinence. Strengthening these muscles through specific exercises can help. For productive coughs, clearing the chest regularly using techniques like the active cycle of breathing is crucial to prevent infections and ease breathing.