Pulmonary Rehabilitation
The goal of Pulmonary Rehab is to decrease shortness of breath and hospitalizations, therefore improving patients’ quality of life. If you have been hospitalized with a breathing problem, or easily become short of breath while walking, you may benefit from this program. A physician order is required. To get scheduled, ask your doctor for a referral or, you can call your Pulmonary Rehabilitation department and we will be happy to obtain the required order and other test results from your doctor.
Pulmonary Rehab for conditions such as:
- Pulmonary Nodules
- Lung Cancer
- COPD (including Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema)
- Asthma
- Interstitial Lung Disease (Pulmonary Fibrosis)
- Occupational Lung Disease
- Pulmonary Hypertension
- Sarcoidosis
- Bronchiectasis
What type of therapy is provided in pulmonary rehabilitation?
Depending on your pulmonary diagnosis, your insurance may approve 12-36 sessions of outpatient therapy, in 2-3 one hour visits each week. Individuals enrolled in the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program receive an exercise and education program designed specifically to meet their individual needs. Some Pulmonary Rehabilitation occurs in group exercise sessions, while some therapy is provided in a one-on-one setting, depending on your insurance requirements. The program is staffed with a respiratory therapist, exercise physiologist and registered nurses. Participants receive monitoring of their breath sounds, heart and respiratory rates,
Instruction includes:
1. Breathing retraining exercises to decrease shortness of breath
2. Panic control and relaxation techniques; and
3. Reconditioning exercise using treadmills, NuSteps, recumbent bike, arm ergometer and weightlifting equipment.
Education is an important part of pulmonary rehabilitation. Topics include:
1. Lung function
2. Medications
3. Oxygen therapy
4. Prevention of respiratory infections
5. Various techniques to decrease shortness of breath with daily activities
Most people who complete a pulmonary rehab course feel better at the end. They are able to perform more activity without becoming short of breath, and they report their overall quality of life is better.
Contact:
Vandalia health Broaddus Hospital
Hours: Monday through Friday 7:30a.m. - 4 p.m.
Phone: 304-457-8595
Fax: 304-457-8000