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Pulmonary Rehab

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 515-465-7617

For many years, the standard of care for pulmonary patients included inactivity and rest. Pulmonary rehabilitation programs now encourage clients to become actively involved in their own health care. The Dallas County Hospital pulmonary rehabilitation programs involve clients in their own preventive care. Our goal is to assist clients, increase fitness, and maintain a quality lifestyle. Our programs consist of exercise and education.

SESSIONS

  • Meet 3 times per week for approximately 1 hour
  • Maintenance program length varies individually

REQUIREMENTS

  • A physician order is required
  • Client Evaluation by staff at first session
  • Lung function testing within 6 months to establish client's baseline at the beginning of rehabilitation
  • Medical History
  • Daily Living Assessment
  • Exercise desturation

PROGRAM REIMBURSEMENT

  • Varies with insurance companies
  • Cardiopulmonary staff will assist clients to check coverage

EDUCATION

  • Respiratory anatomy and physiology
  • Respiratory disease process
  • Principles of exercise and physical fitness
  • Home exercise prescription
  • Nutrition
  • Self-management
  • Weather
  • Warning signs of infection
  • Medication
  • Stress management and relaxation techniques

MAINTENANCE PROGRAM

All patients who have completed the pulmonary rehabilitation are encouraged to continue exercising

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

  • Bring a list of your medications, dosages, and times to your first session
  • Take your medication as prescribed on exercise days
  • Avoid eating large meals for at least two hours prior to excerising
  • Wear loose fitting clothing and comfortable shoes
  • Illness is an excused absence, do not exercise when you do not feel well. Please notify staff by calling 515-465-7617.
  • No smoking
  • Notify staff immediately if pain, discomfort, shortness of breath, dizziness, or fatigue occur before, during, or after exercise

 

REASONS TO SEE PULMONARY REHAB:

1. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

  • Moderate to Severe COPD: These patients often struggle with breathing, especially during physical activity. Pulmonary rehab helps improve their lung function and quality of life.

2. Chronic Asthma

  • Severe or Uncontrolled Asthma: Asthma patients who experience frequent exacerbations, difficulty controlling their symptoms, or reduced lung function may benefit from pulmonary rehab to help manage symptoms and improve physical endurance.

3. Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)

  • Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) and Other ILDs: These conditions cause progressive scarring of the lung tissue, leading to difficulty breathing. Pulmonary rehab can help improve exercise tolerance and reduce shortness of breath.

4. Post-Lung Surgery

  • Lung Cancer Surgery, Lung Transplants, or Lobectomies: Patients who have undergone lung surgery often experience reduced lung capacity and need rehabilitation to rebuild strength and improve lung function.

5. Pulmonary Hypertension

  • Moderate to Severe Pulmonary Hypertension: This condition causes high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs, leading to shortness of breath, fatigue, and reduced exercise tolerance. Pulmonary rehab can help improve overall fitness and quality of life.

6. Cystic Fibrosis

  • Chronic Cystic Fibrosis Patients: Cystic fibrosis causes thick mucus buildup in the lungs, leading to frequent infections and difficulty breathing. Pulmonary rehab helps with managing symptoms and maintaining physical health.

7. Other Chronic Respiratory Diseases

  • Bronchiectasis, Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency: Patients with these conditions also benefit from pulmonary rehab to reduce symptoms, improve lung capacity, and enhance daily functioning.

8. COVID-19 Recovery (Long COVID)

  • Post-COVID Patients: Those who have experienced severe respiratory symptoms from COVID-19, including lasting shortness of breath, fatigue, and reduced lung function, may benefit from pulmonary rehab to help regain strength and improve lung health.

9. Patients with Respiratory Failure

  • Chronic Respiratory Failure: Patients who rely on supplemental oxygen or have a history of respiratory failure often benefit from pulmonary rehab to increase strength, endurance, and quality of life.