Small lungs, Big voices

Small lungs, Big voices

Who says you need a big set of lungs to bust out a ballad?

That’s the motto staff and patients at Capital & Coast District Health Board (CCDHB) are living by as patients with chronic lung disease are now singing for therapy.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a lung disease that blocks airflow and makes breathing difficult. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the most common conditions that make up COPD.

A group of patients meet weekly to sing songs like ‘It’s a wonderful world.’ Led by an experienced community choir leader, the good news for many is that no previous vocal experience is necessary.

“There’s no singing ability required,” says key researcher and respiratory physician Dr Amanda McNaughton.

“It’s a lot of fun but there is evidence this might improve lung function and wellbeing.”

The community run class is run by volunteers and Dr McNaughton believes it is the first of its type for COPD patients in New Zealand.

The group has tested the patients’ breathing function before beginning the sessions, and will again test them after four, and twelve months.

Many have limited singing experience, but the class has already struck a chord with several participants.

“It’s really enjoyable, I’m healed,” joked one patient.

Dr McNaughton says she hopes the choir will run without supervision in the long term.

The group will get their first true test when they perform in the hospital atrium on 18 December.

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