Catch Your Breath with Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Ever feel like you just can’t get enough air in your lungs? Or like you’ve just run a mile even though you’ve just walked from one side of the house to the other? You aren’t alone — chronic lung conditions are a common issue for many Americans, whether due to illness or recent surgery. Lacking the ability to draw in enough breath can be debilitating, but the right combination of exercise and education can help you rebuild your strength and catch your breath once again.
About Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Often paired with cardiac rehabilitation, pulmonary rehabilitation is an education and exercise program designed to manage chronic lung conditions. Generally, health insurance plans may pay for 24-36 sessions of pulmonary rehab with a qualifying condition such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, chronic asthma, lung cancer, and shortness of breath after COVID-19 infection. Pulmonary rehab may consist of numerous activities, including:
- Breathing tests
- Six-minute walk tests
- Breathing techniques to control air intake and clear mucus, such as pursed lip breathing and yoga breathing
- Education in group or individual settings covering a wide range of topics, including how lungs work and managing medication, recognizing the signs of flare-ups and how to manage them, smoking cessation, and conserving energy
- Psychological counseling and individual or group support for stress management
- Exercise training to strengthen the back, arms, legs, and muscles needed to breathe
- Nutritional counseling
Who Needs Pulmonary Rehab?
Pulmonary rehab can be very beneficial for patients suffering from chronic lung diseases such as COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, asthma, or any other illness affecting the ability to breathe comfortably. Additionally, patients who have undergone certain medical procedures may also qualify for pulmonary rehab; such operations may include lung volume reduction surgery, lung transplants, or surgery for lung cancer.
What Are the Benefits of Pulmonary Rehab?
While the primary goal of pulmonary rehab is to manage lung diseases and breathe more comfortably, pulmonary rehab can have several other positive effects for patients. For example, exercises designed to increase stamina can also build muscle strength and physical well-being, ultimately leading to better functional ability and independence. Better dieting habits and home exercises gleaned from educational resources can lead to healthier lifestyle choices, which in turn can have long-lasting positive effects on both physical and mental wellness.
Regain your strength and independence with pulmonary rehab services at Culbertson Memorial Hospital. A referral from your primary care provider is required to enroll — find your provider and contact them to see if pulmonary rehab is right for you. For more information, contact the Cardiopulmonary Department at (217) 322-4321 ext. 5285.