PR for PF: Pulmonary Rehab and Pulmonary Fibrosis
March 14–20 marks Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week, highlighting the critical impact which pulmonary rehab has on the lives of those suffering from cardiac and pulmonary diseases. Providing a uniquely holistic approach to symptom management, pulmonary rehab blends physical, mental and nutritional approaches to enable patients to live a healthier, independent lifestyle.
As a senior medical advisor for the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF), I’d like to embrace this observance as an opportunity to shine the spotlight on a rare, lesser-known disease for which pulmonary rehab is a life-changing therapy — pulmonary fibrosis (PF), a debilitating, often incurable lung disease affecting more than 200,000 Americans. Shortness of breath and chronic cough are major symptoms experienced by people living with PF. Because PF symptoms are similar to other illnesses, PF can be difficult to diagnose, leading to late-stage diagnoses. As such, it is critical to pinpoint these symptoms and know when to speak to a doctor about PF. Early detection is key to maximizing treatment options like pulmonary rehab.
In conjunction with Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week, the PFF launched a new virtual “Pulmonary Rehabilitation Toolkit” with the American Association for Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). The toolkit provides exercise videos and education for PF patients.
Exercise Your Lungs (and Your Body) with Pulmonary Rehab
Pulmonary rehabilitation is a structured exercise program designed for people living with chronic lung diseases like PF. Pulmonary rehab can help to restore the ability to function without extreme breathlessness and to provide guidance for safe exercise. It also improves both exercise capacity and health-related quality of life for many people living with PF.
Benefits of Pulmonary Rehab
PF patients may also experience instances of fatigue, anxiety and depression. Pulmonary rehab can increase energy and improve focus, mood and overall sense of wellbeing, which may enable:
· Improvement of mood — Patients find confidence in their rediscovered independence and overall increase in their quality of life.
· Reduced anxiety and depression — Symptom mitigation and the support of their medical team provide patients with hope.
· A return to routine — As symptoms are further treated, patients may increase their ability to engage in their professional, social and personal routines.
Before Starting Pulmonary Rehab
To assess candidacy for pulmonary rehabilitation, a doctor will conduct lung capacity testing. Spirometry, the most common test, measures the amount of air that the lungs can hold, as well as how forcefully the lungs can blow out the air. In completing this test, patients are also assessed for other diseases that can mimic PF, such as COPD and asthma. Upon beginning pulmonary rehabilitation, a team comprised of nurses, respiratory therapists, exercise physiologists, physical therapists and dietitians, among others, will provide a multi-pronged treatment plan specific for each patient.
What To Expect During Pulmonary Rehab
During pulmonary rehabilitation, respiratory and physical therapists will teach guided exercises to practice while both in-person and at-home. These activities stimulate and increase strength and energy in a supervised, safe setting. Common techniques include:
· Low-impact yoga
· Low-incline treadmill
· Stationary biking
· Pursed lip breathing
To ensure that the lungs have the nutrients needed to function, a dietician will review a patient’s diet and make recommendations for a healthy diet. As the diagnosis and treatment plan for PF can be physically and mentally exhausting, patients are also offered counseling and support to cope and gain confidence.
Maintaining Progress
Upon completion of a pulmonary rehabilitation program, patients can expect an improvement in their physical function and quality of life. However, that does not mean the work is done. Practicing ‘maintenance’ of pulmonary rehabilitation, which includes daily exercise, healthy lifestyle habits and regular doctor’s visits, enables patients to continue to enjoy the benefits of pulmonary rehab.
Pulmonary Rehab Offers Hope
PF can be an isolating disease. PF patients may not have the ability to perform their best, enjoy their hobbies and spend time with friends and family. As such, I have seen pulmonary rehabilitation serve as a transformative therapy in the lives of patients, addressing the physical manifestations of PF and, more importantly, offering them hope and inspiration to live life to the fullest.
To learn more about pulmonary rehabilitation for PF and other treatment options, visit https://www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org/life-with-pf/pulmonary-fibrosis-treatment-options.
To learn more about PF symptoms and risk factors, visit www.AboutPF.org.
