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Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Many people with chronic lung diseases slowly lose the ability to function normally. Shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, fatigue and sometimes panic attacks interfere with everyday tasks such as walking, performing household chores, climbing stairs and even taking a shower.

To schedule an appointment with a Lower Bucks Hospital Pulmonary Rehab, call 215-785-9442.

As a result, patients may experience:

  • Limitations in physical activity
  • Impaired performance at work
  • Dependence on others for help with daily activities
  • Anxiety or depression
  • Frequent visits to doctors’ offices and the emergency room, as well as hospital stays
  • Other medical problems associated with chronic lung disease

Our Pulmonary Rehabilitation program helps improve the well-being and overall quality of life for people with chronic breathing problems.

Those who benefit most from pulmonary rehabilitation are adults who are increasingly limited in everyday activities due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, emphysema, asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, bronchiectasis, environmental and occupational lung disease, and post-operative lung surgery.

The program incorporates physical reconditioning (exercise), self-care education including how to reduce risk of lung infection, breathing strategies, and techniques to help participants improve their ability to carry out activities of daily living, all in a supportive setting that promotes social interaction and emotional well-being.

The exercise component of the program is tailored to each participant’s individual needs. Most often, the exercises involve both the arms and legs through use of a treadmill, recumbent bicycle, arm ergometer, stationary bike, and weights. The exercises are designed to improve endurance and muscle strength to help participants better carry out daily activities.

During class, participants are closely monitored by a multi-disciplinary team that helps each individual reach his or her goals.

Along with physical reconditioning, a number of educational topics are covered in Pulmonary Rehabilitation:

  • Nutrition
  • Lung Anatomy and Disease/ Medical Tests
  • Breathing Retraining
  • Safety and Travel with Oxygen
  • Benefits of Exercise
  • Airway Clearance / Infection Control
  • Energy Conservation
  • Emotional / Social Well Being
  • Respiratory Medications
  • Smoking Cessation

While Pulmonary Rehabilitation can’t cure lung disease, it does help individuals make the most of the lung function they have.

Program Referral and Insurance

Although most patients are referred to our program by a physician, patients can still contact us directly. A physician’s prescription for pulmonary rehabilitation is required to participate. Most insurance plans cover a significant portion, if not all of the cost. Upon referral, we will verify patient eligibility for insurance coverage and any copayments that may apply.

To schedule an appointment with a Lower Bucks Hospital Pulmonary Rehab, call 215-785-9442

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