Have you heard of pulmonary rehab?

It's a supervised exercise and education program created to help people with long term lung diseases. 

Most programs are held at hospitals or outpatient clinics. The sessions are held 2- 3 days for several weeks. Sometimes they will offer in home help.

Who will be helping you? A long list of professionals such as: respiratory therapists, nurses, occupational therapists, physical therapists, psychologists or social workers, dieticians, spiritual advisors and of course  - doctors. 

Since everyone with asthma (or other lung diseases) are different, your program will be different from other patients and designed just for you. 

The goals are to help you improve your quality of life, help you with your shortness of breath, and help you improve how you do daily activities (like laundry, going to the grocery store and carrying the groceries in, etc)

 How does it work?

The different staff members will help you in a variety of areas. 

They will start by seeing what's going on with your cranky lungs. That will examine your blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen level. 

They may also have you walk on a treadmill to see how far you can walk in 6 minutes. 

They will help you learn about different topics to help you deal with your lungs. You may think you know everything, but sometimes "you don't know what you don't know."

You'll learn certain exercises to help you feel a little better and do more than you can now. You may start slow by stretching, using a treadmill, stationary bike, or chair exercises. Light weights may be added.

A counselor will help you learn how to cope with the emotions that come with a long term chronic disease.

A nutritionist will help you find the rights foods and weight range for your body. 

You may be able to join a support group too. I find it easier to chat with other people about my cranky lungs, because they "get it".  

If you have had pulmonary rehab before, drop a comment to let me know how it worked for you!