Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Many of us don’t give a second thought to taking our next breath. But for those with chronic lung disease, the smallest of tasks can become unmanageable. Carrying in the groceries, walking up steps or just getting a good night’s sleep can become a serious problem for someone with difficulty breathing.
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The goal of pulmonary rehabilitation is to help improve breathing conditions through regular exercise and symptom management. Conditions that can benefit from pulmonary rehab include:
- Emphysema.
- Asthma.
- Bronchiectasis.
- Pulmonary fibrosis.
- Sarcoidosis.
- Cystic fibrosis.
- Lung malignancies.
- Occupational lung disease.
- Sleep disorders.
- Lung surgery preparation and recovery.
- Chronic bronchitis.
A program to fit your needs
There are different programs or "phases" of cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation available based on the needs of each participant.
Phase 1 takes place while the patient is in the hospital recovering from a recent heart or lung illness, surgery or other condition involving the heart or lungs. The goal of phase 1 is to provide close medical monitoring while gradually increasing the patient’s activity level in preparation for discharge from the hospital. Education about risk factors and advice on lowering or "modifying" these risk factors begins during phase 1.
Phase 2 begins shortly after discharge from the hospital and generally lasts eight to 12 weeks. During the exercise sessions in phase 2, the participant is monitored continuously. As the participant’s fitness level improves, the duration and intensity of the exercise is gradually increased. Risk factor modification and lifestyle changes needed to prevent problems are emphasized during this phase.
Phase 3 is for individuals who have graduated from phase 2 or those who may not require continuous monitoring. The goal in phase 3 is to further improve the participant’s fitness level and to reinforce healthy lifestyle practices.
Phase 4 is for individuals who have completed phase 3 and wish to maintain their improved fitness level and would like to take advantage of exercising in a medically supervised environment.
It is important to note that every patient will not go through every phase. Your program will depend on your particular circumstances.
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