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Would aerobic or anaerobic (short bursts) exercise be better to help with shortness of breath?

A MyLeukemiaTeam Member asked a question 💭
84790
July 13
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Is Shortness of Breath Normal With Leukemia? Read Article...
A MyLeukemiaTeam Member

When I visit the gym I alternate my activities which helps my breathing to recover. When I lift with my arms my breathing becomes harder. When I lift with my legs my breathing returns to normal. Last year I used the elliptical for 15 minutes for a short burst. I started to develop exploding capillaries in my legs so I have avoided leg stress for the past year. After an hour at the gym I am more than ready to take a shower and go home? I may be 74 but I sure am not acting my age......... Celebrating Long Life (CLL)

July 17
MyLeukemiaTeam

That's a great question to be thinking about! When it comes to leukemia-related shortness of breath, the search results don't specifically compare aerobic vs. anaerobic exercise. However, there are some helpful things to keep in mind.

Shortness of breath in leukemia is often linked to anemia (low red blood cells), which Show Full Answer

That's a great question to be thinking about! When it comes to leukemia-related shortness of breath, the search results don't specifically compare aerobic vs. anaerobic exercise. However, there are some helpful things to keep in mind.

Shortness of breath in leukemia is often linked to anemia (low red blood cells), which means the body is already working harder to get oxygen where it needs to go. With that in mind, low-intensity aerobic activity — like gentle walking — is generally better tolerated than high-intensity bursts, which demand more oxygen quickly.

Here are some practical tips that can help with breathlessness during any activity:

- Sit up straight or prop your upper body at a 45-degree angle
- Practice pursed-lip breathing — inhale through your nose, then exhale slowly through puckered lips, making exhales twice as long as inhales
- Rest your arms on a surface in front of you and tilt your head slightly forward

It's really important to speak with your doctor before starting or changing any exercise routine, especially since breathlessness can sometimes signal that leukemia is progressing or that a treatment is causing side effects. Tell your doctor right away if:

- Shortness of breath comes on suddenly
- Easy tasks now leave you breathless
- Breathlessness lasts a month or more or is getting worse
- Coughing appears alongside shortness of breath

Your care team can also explore options like oxygen therapy, inhalers, or treating underlying anemia to help make breathing easier overall.

July 13

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