Pulmonary Rehabilitation for COPD

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a great way for a person with COPD to learn how to better manage symptoms. Pulmonary rehabilitation helps control the impact of COPD through exercise, education, and support. Through pulmonary rehabilitation, someone living with COPD may become more independent and meet other people who have COPD. This can reduce pressure on a caregiver, too.

Benefits of Pulmonary Rehabilitation

There are many benefits to pulmonary rehabilitation.

Research has shown that people with COPD who attend Pulmonary Rehabilitation regularly experience:

  • Reduction in feeling breathless
  • Reduction of COPD symptoms and flare-ups
  • Improvement in ability to exercise
  • Improvement in health-related quality of life

What's Involved in Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Programs vary, but they may include:

  • Physical exercise
  • Breathing exercises
  • Nutrition tips
  • Disease education

Pulmonary rehabilitation programs may be covered by health insurance.

Finding a Pulmonary Rehabilitation Group

Ask your health care provider for a referral to a pulmonary rehabilitation program. See a list of pulmonary rehabilitation groups located throughout Illinois.

 

For more resources, visit the COPD section of our Library.