From balloons to humming: Finding ways to strengthen lungs with ALS

Last week, I opened my inbox and an article from ALS News Today caught my eye. The story, “Maximizing lung function with ALS,” explained how patients can proactively manage their lung health while living with ALS. After reading it, I pumped my fist in the air, a silent ‘Hurrah!’ echoing in my mind. Why the excitement?

The article served as a stark reminder of how, in 2010, when I was newly diagnosed with ALS, there wasn’t much information available for patients like me who wanted to understand how we could help ourselves live longer while maintaining a good quality of life. At that time, given the bleak prognosis of only three to five years post-diagnosis, I felt the medical community was focused solely on managing the inevitable progression of symptoms, making advice on longevity seem pointless.

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Blow up a balloon?

During one visit to my ALS clinic, I asked for suggestions on how to exercise my lungs at home to maintain good lung function and continue performing well on lung function tests. “Just keep doing whatever it is you’re doing,” was the reply.

When I pressed further, the respiratory therapist suggested I practice blowing up balloons. He explained that the effort needed to blow up a balloon would help keep my diaphragm strong. On the drive home, my husband and I stopped at our local drugstore to buy a bag of party balloons.

Sitting down for my first training session, I surveyed the colorful balloons scattered on the dining room table. They were small and reminded me of a time several years ago when my mother and I spent an afternoon blowing up and tying tiny knots in what seemed like hundreds of little balloons — just to decorate our basement for my 12th birthday party.

That happy memory boosted my confidence. I picked up a red balloon, put it to my lips, and blew. It barely inflated, then flopped closed. “Obviously a dud,” I told myself, and I chose a yellow one. But it had the same result. Despite blowing as hard as I could, I just couldn’t produce the extra “oomph” of air to inflate it fully. I felt discouraged and put the balloons away.

Vocal and breathing exercises

It wasn’t until a few years later, when my ability to speak started to decline, that I discovered some vocal exercises could also strengthen my lungs.

For example, humming is essentially a long, sustained exhale that engages the diaphragm. Singing through a drinking straw creates resistance when exhaling — like a mini balloon-blowing exercise. Both deep breathing and speaking for extended periods require an expanded rib cage, a flexible spine, strong abdominal muscles, and a supportive lower back. This is why correct sitting posture and daily torso stretches are key. You can find additional excellent breathing exercise suggestions at the end of the aforementioned ALS News Today article.

I applaud and appreciate ALS experts who adopt a proactive attitude so that we can take action. I know I can’t control how quickly or slowly my ALS progresses, but I can try to prevent some adverse effects by not ignoring it. Let’s stay hopeful and learn to live well while living with ALS.

Note: ALS News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of ALS News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to ALS.