Pulmonary rehabilitation (rehab for short) combines different treatments to help you reduce your symptoms and stay as active and healthy as possible.
What to expect
You'll work with a care team that includes doctors, nurses, dietitians and therapists. You'll learn techniques to help you breathe better. Your team will help you set and work toward goals to be active, eat healthy and quit smoking if needed. You can learn easier ways to do daily tasks such as dressing, grocery shopping and walking.
Problems with muscle weakness and weight loss can happen with severe breathing problems, so eating healthy is important. It helps you keep up your strength, fight off illness and stay at a healthy weight.
There are different kinds of pulmonary rehab programs. Some are done in the hospital, while others are done at home.
Your team will create an exercise program that's a good fit for you. Exercises may include walking or riding a stationary bike. You may also do exercises to make your arms and legs stronger.
Rehab programs will also include education for both you and your family. You will learn about your lung condition, how it progresses and how it’s best treated. This can make it easier to live with and manage the condition.
Who is a good candidate for pulmonary rehab?
Your doctor may suggest pulmonary rehab if you have ongoing lung problems such as COPD. It can help you manage your condition and be more active and maintain a better quality of life, as well as breathe better.
Results
Depending on what lung condition you have, pulmonary rehab may:
- Ease symptoms such as shortness of breath and feeling tired.
- Help you stay out of the hospital.
- Give you more control over your condition.
- Help you manage the emotional effects of having a lung problem.
- Help improve the quality of your life.
- Help you lead a more active life.
- Help you feel better and live longer.
- Decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression.
If you suspect you may need or benefit from pulmonary rehab, speak to your primary care provider or pulmonologist.
Copyrighted material adapted with permission from Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor.
