Pulmonary rehabilitation is a program that combines exercise, education, and support for people with chronic lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, and cystic fibrosis; the benefits can include breathe easier, feel better, and live longer.
This treatment is usually offered by a team of health professionals, such as physiotherapists, respiratory therapists, nurses, dietitians, and psychologists. They will work with you to create a personalized plan that suits your needs and goals.
Pulmonary rehabilitation typically involves
– Exercise training: You will learn how to exercise safely and effectively to improve your endurance, strength, and flexibility. Exercise can help you increase your oxygen intake, reduce your breathlessness, and prevent muscle wasting.
– Education: You will learn more about your lung condition, how to manage your symptoms, how to use your medications, how to cope with stress and anxiety, and how to prevent complications and infections. Education can help you understand your condition better and take control of your health.
– Support: You will meet other people who have similar lung conditions and share your experiences and challenges. Support can help you feel less isolated and depressed and more motivated and confident.
Breathing rehabilitation has many benefits
– Increased exercise capacity: improve your fitness level and perform daily activities with less difficulty. You may be able to walk farther, climb stairs easier, and do household chores faster.
– Reduced breathlessness: help you breathe more efficiently and reduce the sensation of shortness of breath. You may be able to reduce your reliance on oxygen therapy or inhalers.
– Enhanced mental health: improve your mood and self-esteem. You may be able to reduce your symptoms of depression and anxiety and cope better with stress.
– Prevented hospitalizations: prevent or reduce the frequency and severity of exacerbations or flare-ups of your lung condition. You may be able to avoid or shorten hospital stays and reduce health care costs.
Respiratory rehabilitation program is a safe and effective way to improve your quality of life with lung disease. If you are interested in pulmonary rehabilitation, talk to your doctor or health care provider. They can refer you to therapy near you or online. Pulmonary rehabilitation is not a cure for lung disease, but it can help you live better with it.
