Pulmonary Rehab helps patients regain lung function, strength and endurance

Breathe Easier

It’s an all too-frequent dilemma. Those with an acute or chronic respiratory condition feel they should avoid physical activity because it can worsen their shortness of breath (also called dyspnea), characterized by difficult or labored breathing. However, as their activity level decreases, they become deconditioned.

“That means you lose endurance to tolerate even minimal exertion, like walking up steps or getting dressed in the morning,” explains Juliette L. Wohlrab, MD, Medical Director of the Inova Alexandria Hospital Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program.

To break this cycle and help patients improve lung function, strength and endurance, Inova offers  a comprehensive, nine-week, medically supervised education and exercise program that is often covered by insurance.

What is shortness of breath (dyspnea)? – Article from WebMD

Can I handle pulmonary rehab?

Those with chronic pulmonary disease (such as COPD, cystic fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, lung cancer and more) will sometimes shy away from the program because they’re afraid the class activity level will be too much to handle.

“That’s never a problem,” Dr. Wohlrab points out. “Our sessions are monitored by experienced registered respiratory therapists, exercise physiologists and registered dietitians so we can design an exercise plan that fits the individual patient’s capabilities.”

As her patients’ endurance improves, Dr. Wohlrab often sees other benefits. “Even a small increase in activity can help patients with their appetite, ability to sleep and self-confidence.”

Pulmonary rehab is great for your health, and your social life

The pulmonary rehabilitation program offers an opportunity to ask qualified experts important questions. And there’s another benefit — perhaps the one patients enjoy most. “It’s a great chance to socialize,” Dr. Wohlrab says. “Everything we do is about staying healthy, social and more independent.”

Is pulmonary rehabilitation covered by insurance?

Most insurance plans cover 12 to 36 sessions of Pulmonary Rehabilitation. To learn more about Inova’s program (available at three locations in Northern Virginia), visit www.inova.org/pulmonaryrehab.