CHRISTUS Health: Importance of Pulmonary Rehab for Lung Patients

CHRISTUS Health is championing the importance of rehabilitation programs for lung patients in recognition of Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week.

Initiated by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week aims to educate the community about the role of pulmonary rehabilitation in enhancing the quality of life of individuals with chronic lung disease.

Medical research has shown that more than 90% of lung disease patients who undergo pulmonary rehabilitation spend fewer days in the hospital.

“Without a doubt, pulmonary rehab is one of the most important tools we have at our disposal for the treatment of patients with acute or chronic lung disease,” Dr. Andrew Skabelund, a pulmonologist with CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances. “Pulmonary rehabilitation has been proven to improve an individual’s ability to take care of themselves, improve their health and improve their overall quality of life. Pulmonary rehabilitation has the ability to save and transform lives."

Britney Caldwell and Sharon Hill, both pulmonary rehabilitation nurses at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs, say most programs see patients two to three times a week.

“The rehab program has been very effective for me; my oxygen numbers have normalized, and I have lost more than 20 pounds,” said Sherrill Patterson, a pulmonary rehab patient at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs. “I would suggest anyone that can, needs to do the rehab program.”

Placement in the program is on a referral basis through a primary care provider or pulmonologist cardiologist.

Each patient is given a pulmonary function test prior to entering the program. This test often includes an exercise stress test, breathing test and walking test.

“We recognize that every patient is different, so each program and intensity level is different,” Caldwell said. “That said, we know that rehab is beneficial for everyone, not just for their short-term recovery, but in building habits and routines that can benefit them long-term.”

Patients also receive education on at-home exercises, breathing exercises, proper use of medicines and inhalers, nutrition, and stress reduction techniques.

“If you have had any sort of pulmonary procedure done, we highly encourage you to talk with your doctor right away to see if rehab is right for you,” Hill said. “We know it is not always fun or easy, but we know the benefits are worth it.”