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Breathing is an essential part of life. But for those with chronic lung diseases, breathing may become an ongoing concern. If you experience breathing problems from asthma, chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive lung disease, emphysema, restrictive disease or other chronic lung disease, this program can help improve your pulmonary function through education and exercise sessions.
The program is certified by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation.
Preventive and rehabilitative care for patients with pulmonary disease has many benefits:
Improve quality of life
Improve ability to carry out daily living activities
Increase exercise tolerance and energy levels
Reduce anxiety, panic and depression
Increase self-esteem
Develop a support system
Encourage independence
Reduce hospitalization and health concerns
Your team may include:
Clinical exercise physiologists
Diabetic educator
Dietitian
Respiratory therapists
Other respiratory health professionals
The education component
The following topics are covered:
Advance directives
Coping skills and motivation
Home respiratory equipment
Living with a chronic respiratory disease
Medications
Nutrition counseling
Oxygen therapy
Pacing yourself in your daily activities
Retraining your breathing and breathing techniques
Stress reduction, relaxation techniques and overall mental health
The exercise component
Medically supervised exercise programming and conditioning programs are individually tailored and can include this equipment:
Arm ergometer
Bicycle
Hand weights
Treadmill
Cost
Most insurance, health maintenance organizations and government reimbursement plans will cover 80% of program cost. Check with your insurance provider for eligibility. The program is often covered up to 12 weeks or 24 sessions, depending on insurance coverage.
Enrollment
Your physician will refer you to the outpatient Pulmonary Rehabilitation program. Talk to your primary care provider or pulmonologist for a referral to this program.
Additional information
Please note the following:
Do not eat a heavy meal prior to exercise session.
Medication should be taken on your normal schedule.
Rubber soled shoes with arch support are recommended.
Wear comfortable clothing.
Not all treatments, tests and services are available at all Mayo Clinic Health System locations. Check with your preferred location in advance.
