what is pulmonary rehab

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a comprehensive program that includes education and exercise to help people with chronic lung diseases improve their quality of life. It is designed to increase awareness about the lungs and the specific disease, and to help individuals achieve exercise with less shortness of breath. The program is typically offered in a group setting, allowing participants to meet others with similar conditions and provide and receive peer support. The skills and knowledge learned in pulmonary rehabilitation can help individuals feel better and better manage their chronic lung disease. The program is supervised by a team of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, physical therapists, respiratory therapists, exercise specialists, and dietitians, who create a personalized program to meet specific needs. Pulmonary rehabilitation is recommended for patients with lung disease who experience frequent shortness of breath and have difficulty performing daily activities despite daily use of medication. The program may decrease the need for hospital visits and is often covered by Medicare and most insurances.