Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Introduction

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a treatment program to help patients with chronic lung disease such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, or bronchiectasis. The treatment is individually tailored for each patient and typically includes:

• Relaxation
• Nutrition
• Exercise
• Medication
• Lifestyle management

Pulmonary rehabilitation helps stabilize pulmonary disease and provides emotional support and education that improve the patient's quality of life.

At UNC we have a pulmonary rehabilitation program that provides a multidisciplinary approach. This program aims to optimize the daily functioning of patients with lung diseases through the use of exercise and education. Sessions are scheduled three days per week (preferably Monday, Wednesday, and Friday), and last approximately 1½ hour each. An educational class will also be held once a week on a variety of topics. The total duration of the program is 6 weeks. At the conclusion of our program we will assist the patient in setting up a home exercise program that will maintain a safe, independent exercise routine.

During exercise, patients will receive:

• Baseline vital sign assessment (HR, RR, BP, O2 saturation, RPE)
• Continuous O2 saturation and HR monitoring during exercise
• Titration of O2 to maintain saturations above 90% or as prescribed by the referring physician
• Progressive monitored exercise within tolerance
• Education on a variety of topics
• Airway clearance techniques, as appropriate

Contact Information

A referral from a physician is required (UNC or outside physicians), and can be made through the Department of Physical Therapy at 919-966-2056. If you have further questions, you may contact Lisa VanEpps, P.T. at the above phone number.

Links & Additional Information

These links will take you to websites with information on pulmonary rehabilitation.

• American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation. A non-profit group that works to improve quality of life for patients with cardiovascular and pulmonary disease.
• Respiratory Care Journal. An online medical journal.