The pulmonary system controls our airways and breathing, which is critical to everyday life. The pulmonary doctors at Fairview Park Hospital provide expert care for patients with conditions affecting their lungs. We also work with the cardiac team to care for patients with related cardiopulmonary disorders.
Pulmonary rehabilitation
Pulmonary diseases cause shortness of breath, oxygenation issues and decreased energy levels. Pulmonary rehabilitation is a program for individuals who have been diagnosed with chronic lung disease such as:
- Asthma
- COPD (Emphysema or chronic bronchitis)
- COVID-19*
- Sarcoidosis
- Pulmonary Hypertension
- Pulmonary Fibrosis
- Interstitial lung disease
- Lung cancer and lung cancer surgery
- Lung volume reduction surgery
- Pre and post lung transplant
*CMS has added a covered condition for pulmonary rehabilitation which is a confirmed or suspected COVID-19 patient who experiences persistent symptoms that include respiratory dysfunction for at least four weeks. The four-week timeframe begins with symptom onset. Beneficiaries must have had confirmed or suspected COVID-19 regardless of whether they were hospitalized. A positive COVID-19 test result is not required.
Pulmonary rehabilitation can help participants:
- Reduce and/or control breathing difficulties and other symptoms
- Increase understanding about the disease process, treatment options and coping strategies
- Learn healthy behaviors including smoking cessation, good nutrition and how to exercise safely
- Better understand how to use medications and oxygen appropriately
- Improve quality of life
- Reduce hospitalizations and dependence on costly medical resources
Benefits of pulmonary rehab
Pulmonary rehabilitation helps you improve your quality of life. Although it can’t cure your lung disease, it can offer great benefits including, improved breathing effort and fewer breathing problems. In other words, pulmonary rehabilitation will allow you to make the most of the limited lung function you have.
Your pulmonary rehab team
- Pulmonologist
- Dietician
- Exercise Physiologist
- Occupational Therapist
- Pharmacist
- Registered Nurse
- Respiratory Therapist
Psychosocial support
People who have chronic lung diseases are most prone to depression, anxiety and other emotional problems. We may suggest a program that offers counseling or support if you experience these symptoms during the program.
Program information
A physician referral and pulmonary function test are required in order to schedule your initial evaluation. Subsequent sessions are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays and last one to two hours. The program consists of 24 sessions and participants often complete it in as little as 12 weeks. In addition to telemetry monitored exercise sessions, participants attend educational classes on:
- Medications, including drug actions, side effects and using an inhaler
- Understanding and using oxygen therapy
- Diet, nutrition and weight management
- Breathing techniques, energy conservation and stress management
- Disease process, infection control and managing triggers
For more information about Pulmonary Rehabilitation at Fairview Park Hospital, call (478) 274-3559.