Mesothelioma is classed as a restrictive disease in nature. As the disease progresses the lung tissue becomes stiffer making breathing increasingly difficult. This will result in day-to-day activities becoming more challenging. the latest research suggests that physiotherapy intervention in the form of 'pulmonary rehabilitation' should be undertaken as soon as diagnosis is confirmed. You should request that your GP or consultant refers you.
Pulmonary rehabilitation classes involve patients with respiratory diseases participating in several graded exercises to maintain exercise tolerance, strength and functional ability as much as possible. The increase in activity will help maintain lung tissue compliance / elasticity, the strength of your respiratory muscles and efficiency of breathing technique. This regular physiotherapy contact will also mean changes in condition will be identified more readily. Instruments such as incentive spirometer and 'POWERbreathe' machines will also maintain your breathing and the health of your lung tissue.
If you are unwell and are admitted to hospital with a chest infection, ward physiotherapists will help treat you by guiding oxygen delivery, giving exercises and using instruments to help you get rid of any secretions. They will also help maintain your mobility levels. In later stages physiotherapists involved in palliative treatment will also do the same.
You should also make sure you are referred to a dietician as certain foods will raise the carbon dioxide levels in the blood creating an increase in your work of breathing.