Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) should be part of the treatment plan for any chronic lung disease, including pulmonary fibrosis. It’s a combination of exercise, breathing techniques, diet and education that aims to help give patients a better quality of life and be able to have more control of their symptoms.
We’ve compiled a list of reasons why pulmonary rehabilitation is important for pulmonary fibrosis patients based on information from the British Lung Foundation and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.
MORE: Find out about pulmonary rehabilitation from a patient’s point of view
Disease Education
Pulmonary rehabilitation will include education about your specific lung disease. It will give you the opportunity to find out about the latest treatment methods, therapies, and medications relevant to pulmonary fibrosis. It will also help you figure out how to take your medications and what to do if you’re unwell.
Diet Advice
Pulmonary rehabilitation will give you diet advice that’s specific to the needs of a pulmonary fibrosis patient, which may differ significantly to that of someone who has other health problems.
Exercise
The pulmonary rehabilitation program will include physical exercise which aims to improve muscle strength and overall health. Exercise is now seen as an important part of treatment for pulmonary fibrosis and PR will take you through a regimen that is tailored to your physical capabilities.
Breathing Strategies
Pulmonary rehabilitation will teach you about different breathing strategies and exercises you can do to help when your breathing becomes difficult.
Help With Fatigue
As you get stronger, through the exercise regimen designed in your pulmonary rehabilitation, you should start to feel stronger, less tired and able to sleep better.
Improve Quality of Life
The rehabilitation is designed to help you get stronger over time, so you should find that you can walk further distances and get back some of your independence.
Offer Support and Friendship
Pulmonary rehabilitation sessions are often group sessions so this gives you the opportunity to meet people who are in the same position as you. Not only will the sessions be social, but you’ll be able to help one another out, share experiences and support each other.
MORE: Find out more about personalized care for pulmonary fibrosis patients
Pulmonary Fibrosis News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.