Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a program designed for people who have chronic lung disease. Its primary goal is to enable people to achieve and maintain their maximum level of independence and function. Although most pulmonary rehabilitation programs focus on people who have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), people with other types of lung disease may benefit as well. People in all age groups can benefit.

South County Health’s personalized pulmonary rehabilitation program can help improve your quality of life by reducing shortness of breath, increasing exercise tolerance and fitness, and promoting a sense of well-being.

Pulmonary Rehab Involves:

• Exercise to help your lungs and heart work better
• Breathing Techniques to control shortness of breath with activity
• Nutrition to optimize body weight
• Relaxation training and counseling
• Emotional and group support to meet other people living with COPD or other lung conditions and share questions/feelings
• Learning more about medications and improving inhaler use
• Strategies for living better with COPD  

Most people who complete a pulmonary rehab program feel healthier and more empowered. They report feeling less short of breath, more energetic, and more in control of their lung condition. People who keep up their exercise level can keep their benefits lasting for years. 

Rehab may also help prevent you from going to the hospital due to COPD flare-ups or “exacerbations.” Even people with advanced lung disease can benefit from pulmonary rehab.