Pulmonary Rehabilitation

About CMH Pulmonary Rehabilitation

The Columbia Memorial Hospital (CMH) Pulmonary Rehabilitation program helps improve the wellbeing of adults who are increasingly limited in their everyday activities due to emphysema, COPD, chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis, asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, lung surgery and environmental or occupational lung disease.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation helps people become stronger, breathe easier, and enjoy activities again that had become difficult because of their lung condition. As a pulmonary rehab patient, you will participate in physical reconditioning, self-care education, breathing exercises and techniques that will improve your ability to carry out your daily activities. It will also help you reduce the risks and complications of lung irritation and/or infection, and promote social interaction and emotional wellbeing.

By participating in pulmonary rehabilitation, many people achieve a better understanding of their lung disease and learn methods for overcoming the breathing challenges they face. Our goal is to help you improve your quality of life.

How Pulmonary Rehab Works

Pulmonary rehabilitation takes place in a group setting and offers support from others who share many of the same concerns and goals.

You will learn how to:

• Safely and comfortably increase your exercise tolerance
• Use the equipment and exercise at a pace that is right for you
• Alleviate the shortness of breath that comes with activity through breathing exercises and techniques
• Properly use your medications
• Correctly maintain your home care respiratory equipment
• Recognize, treat and resist respiratory infection and flare-ups
• Use relaxation and “panic breathing” techniques
• Improve your dietary choices to help promote nutrition and strength
• Conserve energy and improve work efficiency
• Develop more enjoyment from leisure time by reducing the obstacles you experience during outings and travel

Many people who participate in pulmonary rehab report a decrease in their symptoms, an improvement in their quality of life, feeling better able to cope with their disease or illness, and being able to successfully manage the emotions that often accompany a chronic lung condition.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)