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Can COPD Patients Benefit From Music Therapy?
A recent study finds that music therapy benefits chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. The disease, “affects a person’s lungs and breathing, and the study found that music therapy in conjunction with traditional therapies can help improve symptoms better than standard treatment alone.” COPD symptoms include tightness of the chest, shortness of breath, and an ongoing cough.
Sixty-eight individuals, “who were diagnosed with chronic disabling respiratory diseases, including COPD,” participated. The study was conducted over a six-week period while, “a randomized group underwent musical therapy involving live music, visualizations, wind instrument playing and singing, which incorporated breath control techniques.”
“Music therapy has emerged as an essential component to an integrated approach in the management of chronic respiratory disease. The results of this study provide a comprehensive foundation for the establishment of music therapy intervention as part of pulmonary rehabilitation care,” explained Dr. Jonathan Raskin.
COPD patients have treatment goals, which strive to, “relieve symptoms, slow progression of the disease, improve exercise tolerance, prevent and treat complications, and improve overall health. These goals can be met with medical intervention and treatment coupled with alternative methods.”
Alternative remedies for COPD include:
- Control your breathing: Speak with your doctor or breathing specialist to find ways to better control your breathing
- Clear your airways: Keep your airways clear of mucus by drinking water, using a humidifier, and controlling your coughs
- Exercise regularly: Regular exercise improves overall strength and respiratory muscles.
- Eat healthy foods: A healthy diet keeps your weight in check and maintains overall strength
- Avoid smoke and air pollution
- See your doctor regularly
One of the most effective ways to prevent COPD is to completely stop smoking, as COPD is strongly linked to smoking.
