Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week

March 14-20, 2021 is recognized as Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week. In honor of that, this DCH Corner article is presented by our Director of Cardio-Pulmonary Services, Mary Elsberry, a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).

If you have shortness of breath because of lung problems, you may have asked yourself:

• Can I exercise?
• How can I get in better shape?
• What medications should I be taking?
• Can I do anything to improve my health?

If this is you or someone you know, participation in a Pulmonary Rehabilitation program can help answer these questions as well as help to improve your health and overall wellbeing.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation is a program of education and exercise that helps you manage your lung disease, increase stamina, and decrease breathlessness with activities.  Pulmonary Rehab has been found to improve the physical function, breathlessness, mood, and quality of life in persons with lung disease.

The education part focuses on putting the patient “in charge” by teaching breathing techniques to use with activities, how to take and manage your medications, recognizing early signs of “flare up”, and how to talk with your healthcare provider.

You may not think that you can exercise when just walking across the room makes you breathless. The exercise starts at a level that you can handle. The amount of time you exercise is gradually increased and the level of difficulty changes based on your ability.  As your muscles get stronger, you will exercise longer with less breathlessness and be less tired.

Each patient has an individualized plan of education and treatment developed specifically to their needs.  Pulmonary Rehab sessions are offered 3 days per week and supervised by a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) or Registered Nurse (RN).

Pulmonary Rehabilitation for specific lung diseases is covered by Medicare and most insurance companies providing you meet certain requirements.  If you have questions about whether you would qualify for pulmonary rehab speak with your healthcare provider or for more information contact Mary Elsberry, RRT at Decatur County Hospital 641-446-2323.

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