Pulmonary Rehabilitation: A Boon for Respiratory Health

Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is a comprehensive, evidence-based program designed to help people with chronic lung diseases. It improves their quality of life, manages symptoms, and increases physical fitness.

- DR. LAKSHYA BHAKTYANI

Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is a comprehensive, evidence-based program designed to help people with chronic lung diseases. It improves their quality of life, manages symptoms, and increases physical fitness. It is recognized globally, including by the WHO, as an effective non-pharmacological method for managing conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchiectasis, interstitial lung disease, asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension.

Components of pulmonary rehabilitation include:

Exercise training: Specifically designed physical activities to improve muscle strength and endurance, increase exercise tolerance, reduce breathlessness and fatigue. It also includes specific tools and equipment designed to improve respiratory muscle strength, lung function, and airway clearance. This is usually conducted under supervised sessions two to three times a week over 6-8 weeks.