How Pulmonary Rehab Can Help

When you're diagnosed with a chronic lung disease the best thing you can do for your lungs, to keep them strong, is to join a Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program. Find out more below. 

Who goes to Pulmonary Rehab (PR)?

Pulmonary Rehab is a program designed for people afflicted with an ongoing lung disease like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Cystic Fibrosis, Bronchitis, etc. Your doctor might also recommend PR before and after lung surgery. PR can benefit people who have muscle-wasting disorders that affect the muscles for breathing. 

What is PR?

Pulmonary rehab is designed to improve your endurance and muscle strength in your lungs so that you can better carry out daily activities. Here are a few areas PR programs might focus on during your treatment:

• Exercise training
• Nutritional counseling
• Education on your lung disease and how to manage it
• Energy-conserving techniques 
• Breathing strategies 
• Psychological counseling and/or group support

How can PR help you?

PR will not only help improve the quality of your life, but it will also connect you with a great support team. You get a team of specialists designing a program specifically tailored to your condition. While Lung disease cannot be cured, PR can help your lungs work better so you can breathe easier. 

You can find more information on PR by visiting our Disease and Respiratory Care Management Page or visiting the American Lung Association.