Last week, I was hit with that dreaded seasonal flu that has been making the rounds in the northern hemisphere. While most of those nearest and dearest to me recovered after just a few days of bed rest, mine decided to go straight to my lungs, leaving me breathless…and with a severe case of pneumonia. One late-night trip to the emergency room and a week of some pretty heavy medication, and I’m finally feeling like I can do little things again. But it’s the long-term consequences that worry me. The doctors suspect there may be some damage to my lungs after this that could require more than just rest, recuperation, and antibiotics. So, I’m being referred to a lung specialist to try something called Pulmonary Rehab (or more formally called pulmonary rehabilitation).
By a happy coincidence, I discovered that Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week is also coming up in the second week of March! I look forward to learning a lot, seeing as lung health and treatments may play a key role in my life for the foreseeable future. So, I thought I would share what I’ve learned so far on my research journey into pulmonary rehabilitation and how it can be helpful for multiple chronic lung conditions.
First, how can I promote Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week?
Promote Pulmonary Rehab Week 2025 by using your social media platforms! You can also support the cause by liking, sharing, or reposting content about #PRWeek2025. Don’t forget to follow American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) on social media to stay updated.
What is pulmonary rehab?
Chronic lung disease can significantly affect a person’s everyday life. Simple tasks like bathing, cleaning, or getting dressed may leave patients short of breath.Â
Pulmonary rehabilitation helps individuals manage lung conditions that leave a patient struggling to send oxygen-rich blood to the body. These conditions can include pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary fibrosis, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD.) By teaching skills like proper breathing techniques, how to use medications effectively, and ways to conserve energy, pulmonary rehab can help reduce breathing problems, boost physical activity levels, and improve overall quality of life. These benefits come without the need for new medication or surgery, making it a safe and effective option for managing lung diseases.
Pulmonary rehabilitation programs can greatly improve a person’s ability to exercise, which makes everyday tasks like showering, doing laundry, walking, or gardening much easier. This increased ease can lead to greater independence. Regular exercise is a key part of pulmonary rehabilitation, helping to break the cycle of inactivity and encouraging exercise to become a part of daily life.
This program combines the expertise of respiratory therapists, physical therapists, and doctors to help patients manage chronic lung diseases. It may also address related issues, like anxiety and depression, that often come with these conditions.
Who can benefit from pulmonary rehabilitation?
Pulmonary rehabilitation programs are designed for individuals with chronic lung diseases, whether mild, moderate, or severe, who experience difficulty with breathing. Before starting, a healthcare professional will discuss the patient’s condition and guide them through various exercise activities. Based on this assessment, they will create a personalized plan tailored to the individual’s needs and symptoms. Once the patient feels comfortable exercising independently, they may be provided with a home workout plan for the days they are not attending the program. Many pulmonary rehab programs also include educational sessions to help patients manage their condition more effectively.
Pulmonary rehab is part of a broader treatment plan that usually includes a comprehensive medication approach that is meant to handle both short-term breathing distress episodes and longer-term limitation of the condition to prevent further deterioration in pulmonary capacity.
Immediate relief of breathing difficulty is usually provided by short-acting bronchodilators like Ventolin, and Atrovent. Long-acting bronchodilators such as Advair, Serevent, Fostair, and Spiriva should be used every day, to reduce the incidence of acute attacks. Some combination inhalers such as Combivent Respimat contain two or more drugs (albuterol and ipratropium,) which work together to open the airways more than either can do on its own.
Patients with pulmonary hypertension can significantly benefit from pulmonary rehab. Pulmonary hypertension is a serious condition caused by high blood pressure in the lungs that affects the blood vessels carrying blood from the heart to the lungs. A type of this condition, called pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), can result from left-sided heart disease, congenital heart disease, or even blood clots. According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, symptoms of pulmonary hypertension include shortness of breath, chest pain, and fatigue. Factors that increase the risk of pulmonary hypertension include family history, living at high altitudes, and other underlying health issues.
What are some pulmonary rehab therapies?
Pulmonary rehabilitation programs often include a variety of therapies designed to improve quality of life for individuals with lung disease. These programs may involve exercise training, education to promote better self-management, and strategies for adopting healthier behaviors. Topics covered can include proper use of medications, breathing techniques, inhaler use, conserving energy, managing stress, and developing self-care skills. Social interaction is also a key component, offering participants the chance to connect with others facing similar challenges.
Pulmonary rehab not only includes exercise training but also emphasizes mental health. Stress is a common issue, so patients are taught to identify their stress triggers and practice relaxation and coping strategies. Nutrition is another key focus, as some patients struggle with being underweight or overweight. The program helps them develop healthy eating habits to ensure they get enough energy to manage their daily activities.
During rehab, oxygen levels are carefully monitored to ensure patients receive the right amount. For those who need supplemental oxygen, the team checks that they are using the correct device and dosage, making adjustments as needed to maximize their progress.
The programs may have set durations, but they are designed to help patients build long-term management plans. These plans aim to support patients in maintaining a healthy and fulfilling life even after completing the program.
FAQs
Can you do pulmonary rehab virtually?
The AACVPR and its partners are still developing guidelines for virtual pulmonary rehab programs. In the meantime, patients are encouraged to consult their healthcare providers to ensure they choose a program that meets their needs and provides proper support.
Where can I find a pulmonary rehab program?
The AACVPR provides a directory of around 1,300 pulmonary rehab programs, which can be a helpful starting point. Patients interested in learning more should consider reaching out to a local or hospital-based program for advice.
What are some pulmonary rehab exercises?
Belly breathing, or diaphragmatic breathing, is a simple exercise that helps strengthen the muscles used to breathe. To do it, just focus on making the belly expand as you inhale, instead of the chest. Pursed lip breathing is another helpful exercise, especially if struggling with shortness of breath. It works by breathing in through your nose, then slowly exhaling through lips that are slightly puckered, like you’re whistling.
Does pulmonary rehab improve rates of survival?
Some studies have shown completion of pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with COPD is associated with significantly improved survival rates compared to those who do not complete or start the program.
