Final answer:
For patients with emphysema, moderate exercise like walking is beneficial, as it can improve cardiovascular health and help manage symptoms while tailoring to the individual's capabilities. Patients with emphysema often have difficulty breathing during physical activities due to lung changes, but monitored exercise routines are crucial for improving quality of life.
Step-by-step explanation:
Activities such as walking can be beneficial for patients with emphysema. Emphysema, a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), causes structural changes in the lungs, such as destruction of alveolar walls and a decrease in lung elastic recoil, leading to increased lung compliance and air trapping. Patients with emphysema often experience shortness of breath, especially during physical activities.
Moderate exercise, including walking, is recommended because it can improve cardiovascular health and overall fitness, which is important even for those with lung conditions. The Physical Activity Guidelines suggest moderate activities as those where individuals can talk but not sing. This level of activity can help maintain respiratory function by promoting better gaseous exchange, even in the presence of a V/Q mismatch that is commonly seen in emphysema.
Although emphysema makes breathing during exercise more difficult, maintaining an active lifestyle with tailored physical activities is crucial for managing symptoms and improving quality of life. It's important for patients with emphysema to engage in exercise routines that are closely monitored by healthcare professionals to ensure safety and effectiveness.