Pulmonary rehabilitation is a medically supervised program for people with long-term (chronic) lung diseases. It may also be used before or after lung surgery. It may also help improve lung function in people with scoliosis.
Pulmonary rehab is used for lung conditions such as:
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including emphysema and chronic bronchitis
Interstitial lung disease, such as pulmonary sarcoidosis and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis
Pulmonary hypertension
Pulmonary rehab can help people to:
Have fewer symptoms and complications
Need fewer emergency room visits and hospital stays
Improve their daily function
Be as independent as possible
Have a better quality of life
Reduce symptoms of anxiety or depression
Pulmonary rehab programs may be held at hospitals or other facilities. They may be used as part of a stay in a hospital or rehab facility (inpatient). Or you may come for rehab sessions and go home afterward (outpatient). The pulmonary rehab team may include these skilled healthcare professionals:
Pulmonologist, a lung disease doctor
Thoracic surgeon, a doctor specializing in chest surgeries
Physiatrist, a rehabilitation specialist
Internists and family doctors
Nurses
Respiratory therapists
Dietitians or nutritionists
Physical therapists
Occupational therapists
Social workers
Other therapists and counselors
These programs are designed to meet the specific needs of each person with lung conditions. It is better if both you and your family are actively involved.
Pulmonary rehab programs may include:
Help with medicine
Breathing exercises to improve lung function and help you do daily activities
Stretching exercises to improve flexibility
Weight training to improve muscle strength and increase exercise endurance and conditioning
Exercise machines
Education and counseling for you and your family, including disease information and self-management skills
Help to stop smoking
Stress management and emotional support
Nutritional counseling
Help with home respiratory equipment, such as oxygen equipment and supplies, airway clearance devices, and nebulizers
Job or work counseling