Pulmonary rehabilitation is a rehabilitation treatment designed for patients with chronic respiratory disorders whose pulmonary function decreased. This is an individualized program to educate a person regarding how to live and breathe with lung disease. American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation certified Altru’s pulmonary rehabilitation program.
Pulmonary rehabilitation is structured to help the following respiratory disorders:
- Chronic Bronchitis
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Asthma
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease
- Emphysema
- Other respiratory problems
GOALS OF PULMONARY REHABILITATION:
Following are some pulmonary rehabilitation goals:
- Reduce disability, reduce symptoms and also improves the overall health of the patient.
- This is also designed for educating people on respiratory diseases and also for teaching good habits so that they can take care of themselves.
REASONS FOR PULMONARY REHABILITATION:
Pulmonary rehab reasons include:
- Chest pain
- Diaphragmatic fatigue
- Cough
- Dyspnea or breathlessness
- Reduced exercise tolerance
- Respiratory muscle dysfunction
BENEFITS OF PULMONARY REHABILITATION:
Pulmonary rehab benefits include:
- Increases exercise performance and tolerance
- Relieves respiratory disorder symptoms
- Increase survival in some patients
- Enhances the ability to perform routine activities
- Reduces hospitalizations and use of medications
- Increases awareness about the medications used for treating pulmonary disease
- Introduces latest equipments used for treating lung disorders.
- Emotional well-being is improved in patients who experience depression, anxiety, lack of self confidence and self-esteem.
- Increases the chances of returning to work in some patients
- Participants and families are educated about pulmonary disease and management.
ACTIVITIES INCLUDED IN PULMONARY REHABILITATION:
- Ventilatory muscle training/ Breathing Retraining: This targets the muscles used for breathing. This training reduces breathlessness and makes it easier to stay alive.
- Disease Education: These sessions gives the patient and the family members a comprehensive look at the disease. Sessions include medications, handling emergencies, stress management, proper nutrition and an introduction to home-exercise program.
- Exercise Training: Participants use various equipments such as stationary bicycle, treadmill, stepping machines and arm bicycle. Blood pressure, oxygen level and heart rate are monitored.
