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Mesothelioma Exercises


What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is an uncommon type of cancer that forms from the alteration of cells in the mesothelium—protective lining of several internal organs.

Mesothelioma cancer is typically caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos. Asbestos, when contacted, propels cancerous filaments into the air. When these filaments are perpetually inhaled over a long period of time they stick to the linings of the lung. The bulk of mesothelioma patients, therefore, were previously employed in industries that utilized asbestos. 

Although there are several forms of mesothelioma cancer, the majority of cases develop in the internal wall of the chest cavity or the lining of the lungs. Common symptoms attached to mesothelioma will include: shortness of breath, stemming from a build-up of fluid between the abdomen and lungs, weight loss and painful coughing. 

One of the primary characteristics—and the major reason why the disease is so deadly—stems from its insidious symptoms. Mesothelioma cancers are nearly impossible to detect in their early stages. The difficulty associated with diagnosis comes from the condition’s dormant symptoms. A mesothelioma sufferer will only notice symptoms 15-20 years after the initial infection takes place.

Similar to other types of cancer, mesothelioma is categorized by stage--when the disease progresses the prognosis becomes more deadly. This insidious nature of mesothelioma cancer is paired with its inconspicuousness to create a deadly medical condition—mesothelioma patients typically die within 6 months-1 year of diagnosis. 

In most cases, mesothelioma cancers will not be diagnosed until the malignant tumors spread to the vital organs of the body. When the disease reaches stage III or stage IV it becomes inoperable. By chance, if mesothelioma cancer is caught before the cancer spreads, curable treatments, such as surgery, may be implemented to eliminate the malignant tumors. Moreover, several palliative surgeries may be administered to mitigate the suffering associated with mesothelioma cancer. Regardless of the operation, patients should exercise regularly to ease the symptoms and better prepare themselves for mesothelioma treatments. 

How Does Exercising Help Mesothelioma Patients?

Mesothelioma cancer destroys the mesothelial layer of tissues that protect several internal organs, including the lungs and heart. When mesothelioma symptoms form, patients suffer from perpetual coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain and weight loss. Because mesothelioma cancer affects breathing, patients should exercise regularly to ease the pain associated with the condition. 

Mesothelioma exercises help reduce the symptoms attached to the cancer. Whether a mesothelioma patients experiences weakness due to the cancer treatments or have a difficulty maintaining their breaths, mesothelioma exercises and bed rest will help patients live a happier and better life. Although bed rest can be beneficial in allowing a mesothelioma patient’s body to recuperate, inactivity may lead to stiff joints and muscle loss. Mesothelioma exercise will help prevent these occurrences.

Mesothelioma exercises do not have to be intense. By simply standing and stretching for 15-20 minutes a day can help mesothelioma patients. Moreover, taking a short 10 minute walk will loosen the patient’s muscles and improve blood flow. Because stiff joints can precipitate pain, even small amounts of mesothelioma exercise will help reduce the patient’s overall discomfort level. 

Mesothelioma exercise will also help improve a patient’s appetite. Because chemotherapy is a common treatment for mesothelioma sufferers, adverse side effects, such as loss of appetite and nausea, are extremely common. Regular mesothelioma exercise will help a mesothelioma patient’s appetite return, because the body uses the energy taken from the food consumed. When a mesothelioma patient exercises, the body requires more energy to perform these movements. The patient’s body will signal the brain that the patient needs to eat something, producing sensations that trigger the individual to eat. By partaking in mesothelioma exercises on a regular basis, the patient’s appetite will improve, which will help the individual feel more energetic and stronger. 

Because mesothelioma invariably alters someone’s life, emotions such as hopelessness, fear and anxiety are common in mesothelioma patients. Although palliative in nature, mesothelioma exercise does a fantastic job in relieving stress and minimizing depression and anxiety. Relaxing mesothelioma exercises like Pilates and yoga can be performed from the comfort of the patient’s home to impede worries from entering the patient’s mind, ultimately helping with boosting the individual’s morale. 

Before partaking in mesothelioma exercises, it is vital to discuss what workout routine is best for you. While mesothelioma exercise offers a number of benefits, if your particular mesothelioma is too pronounced, exercise may impair your overall lung function. Your medical professional may recommend coughing exercises and deep breathing that may be performed on a regular basis for your overall benefit. 

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