In restrictive lung disease, you cannot fill your lungs with air because your lungs are restricted from fully expanding.
This happens when the lungs themselves are stiff or because there is a problem with the chest wall or the breathing muscles. The most common restrictive lung conditions are interstitial lung disease, such as IPF. Others are obesity or a curved spine. Try our suggestions to reduce breathlessness in restrictive lung disease.
Sitting upright in a chair
Sit upright in a firm chair (figure 1): If your chair doesn’t have arms, rest your arms on your thighs. Let your wrists and hands go limp.
High side lying
High side lying (figure 2): Lie on your side with pillows under your head and shoulders. Make sure your top pillow supports your neck. Slightly bend your knees, hips and top leg.
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