Pulmonary rehabilitation (rehab) is a program that uses a variety of methods to improve the well-being of people with breathing problems, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sarcoidosis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, or cystic fibrosis.
Pulmonary rehabilitation is used alongside medical and surgical therapies for breathing problems. Rehab is a long-term strategy for improving quality of life, and is not a cure for chronic lung disease.
Rehab is provided by a team of care providers, including doctors, nurses, dietitians, physical therapists, counselors, psychologists, social workers, respiratory therapists, and other specialists. Each patient’s rehab may be different, depending on their specific condition and needs. It may include some or all of the following:
- Exercise
- Education about your particular lung disease
- Psychological counseling
- Nutritional counseling
- Training in breathing strategies to manage symptoms
- Training in energy conserving techniques
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