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Pulmonary rehab offers many benefits

If you've been diagnosed with a lung disease, enrolling in pulmonary rehabilitation is a move that could help you live and breathe your best.

These outpatient programs typically take place over many weeks and focus on exercise, lung disease education and support. Here are just some of the many benefits.

Pulmonary rehab can increase your stamina

You will learn exercises in pulmonary rehab that boost your strength and the fitness of your heart and lungs. This may make it easier to do more of the things you want and need to do, like walking or playing with kids or grandkids. The pulmonary rehab staff will monitor your exercise to help ensure your safety.

It may help you breathe better

Pulmonary rehab may improve your lung function. The exercises you learn can help you use oxygen more efficiently.

You may have fewer hospital stays

Sometimes people with lung disease have to go to a hospital to get treatment for a flare-up. Pulmonary rehab may help you avoid this. More than 90% of people who finish pulmonary rehab spend fewer days in a hospital.

You'll learn to manage your disease and your symptoms

The doctors and nurses in rehab will teach you about your specific lung condition and how to manage it. Some of the things you may learn about include:

• Taking medications.
• Using oxygen therapy.
• Healthy eating to support your breathing and overall health.
• Breathing techniques to help with shortness of breath.
• Checking your oxygen level with a pulse oximeter.
• Avoiding things that make your breathing worse.

Pulmonary rehab supports your emotional health

Lung disease can be stressful. It raises the risk of depression. In rehab, you may receive support to help you manage the emotional toll of your disease. You may also find support in meeting people in rehab who also have lung problems.

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