Patients with chronic lung disease are frequently advised to participate in pulmonary rehabilitation programs. But what exactly is pulmonary rehabilitation, and are these programs effective?
Pulmonary rehabilitation is a low-risk program that focuses on strengthening the breathing muscles. It usually includes a complex team of pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, nutritionists, and more. The key components include breathing retraining, nutrition, and mental health support. These programs are a big commitment for patients as they often include one to two-hour sessions over 12 weeks or more (and require patients to keep it up at home). However, the results are well worth it with studies indicating that patients who complete pulmonary rehabilitation programs have a lower risk of hospital readmission, reduced shortness of breath, and better overall quality of life.
Who Can Benefit from Pulmonary Rehabilitation?
Pulmonary rehabilitation can help improve lung function in patients with COPD, asthma, cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, lung cancer, and more. Chronic lung disease weakens the breathing muscles, and feeling short of breath can impact not only a patient’s ability to exercise but also their daily ability to function. As a result, many patients move and exercise less which makes the muscles even weaker, trapping them in a cycle. Things like going up and down stairs, cooking, or even folding laundry can become challenging leading to a loss of independence.
What Happens During Pulmonary Rehabilitation?
Physical activity is the key component of pulmonary rehabilitation. A typical session may involve stretching, respiratory muscle training (this involves breathing in and out through a device), endurance training, weight training, and even transcutaneous neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) which contracts the muscles with electricity.
A provider might also help you with controlled breathing and relaxation techniques to make breathlessness more manageable. They can also teach you how to cough. Yes, cough! For patients with COPD or other conditions that cause a lot of mucus in the chest, a huff cough can help clear mucus without exerting so much energy.
Outside of exercise techniques, pulmonary rehabilitation focuses on nutrition support to gain muscle mass and reduce the risk of aspiration. Mental health support and relaxation techniques like yoga are also encouraged to help keep patients calm (we all tend to breathe more rapidly when stressed).
Education forms the final cornerstone of pulmonary rehabilitation. Patients receive invaluable insights into their condition, learning about medications, proper inhaler techniques, and strategies for managing symptoms. Equipped with this knowledge, they gain a sense of control over their health, fostering a proactive approach to self-care.
Benefits of Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Pulmonary rehabilitation is not just about treating symptoms; it’s about empowering individuals to lead fuller, healthier lives despite chronic respiratory challenges.
- Improved Physical Function: Regular exercise and physical conditioning lead to enhanced endurance, reduced breathlessness, and improved ability to perform daily activities. Patients often experience increased stamina and independence in their daily lives.
- Enhanced Quality of Life: Patients report better mood, reduced anxiety, and increased confidence in managing their health.
- Reduced Hospitalizations: Studies consistently show that participation in pulmonary rehabilitation reduces hospital admissions and emergency room visits. Patients experience fewer exacerbations of their condition by improving lung function and learning effective management strategies.
- Long-term Benefits: The benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation extend beyond the program duration. Patients who continue to exercise and apply what they’ve learned
- maintain improved lung function, physical fitness, and overall well-being over the long term.
- Empowerment and Self-management: Education and support empower patients to take an active role in managing their condition. This proactive approach leads to better adherence to medications, healthier lifestyle choices, and improved disease management outcomes.
The American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation offers a directory of programs in the US. Patients can work with program coordinators to find out if insurance or Medicare covers the cost of the program. The benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation extend far beyond physical health; for many, it represents a turning point and a chance to reclaim independence.