Pulmonary rehabilitation | NHS

What is lung rehab?

Lung rehab is a program to help people breathe better.

It helps people who have problems with their lungs, like asthma or COPD.

Doctors, nurses, and therapists can help you learn exercises and other tips to make your lungs stronger.

Using pictures or videos can help you understand more about lung rehab.

Who can get help from lung exercises?

How can I join a lung exercise program?

What exercises do you do in lung rehab?

Lung rehab helps people breathe better.

Here are some exercises you might do:

• Walking: This helps your heart and lungs.
• Stretching: This makes your body move easier.
• Breathing exercises: These help you breathe deeply.

Ask your doctor if you need help with lung rehab. They can show you how to do these exercises.

How long is a lung rehab program?

A lung rehab program usually lasts for about 6 to 8 weeks. That's like going to school for 6 to 8 weeks to learn and get better.

If you're part of a lung rehab program, you might go 2 to 3 times a week. It's important to keep going to get the best help.

Tools like pictures and videos can show you what happens in rehab. These can help you understand better.

Where do pulmonary rehabilitation programmes usually take place?

Pulmonary rehabilitation programmes are often run in places like hospitals or health centres. These are buildings where doctors and nurses work.

Sometimes, these programmes can also be done at home with the help of tools like online videos or phone calls with experts.

If you need help, you can ask a doctor for advice.

Do you get pulmonary rehabilitation from the NHS for free?

Can I do lung exercises at home?

What do I need to take to a lung rehab session?

If you are going to a lung rehab session, here is what you should take:

• Comfortable Clothes: Wear loose clothes so you can move easily.
• Water Bottle: Bring water to stay hydrated.
• Meds: If you use medicine for your lungs, take it with you.
• Notebook: Take a notebook to write down important things.

If you need help reading, you can ask a friend or use an app to hear the words.

Do I need to do exercises at home?

Yes, it can help you get better at what you learn in class.

Try these tips:

• Set a regular time for practice each day.
• Ask a friend or family member to help you.
• Use apps or videos to make it fun.

How can I tell if lung rehab is helping me?

You can tell if lung rehab is working if you:

• Breathe easier
• Have more energy
• Can do more activities

If you notice these changes, the rehab is helping. Talk to your doctor or therapist about your progress. They can help you with more tips.

Is Pulmonary Rehab Safe?

Pulmonary rehab is a program to help you breathe better. But, like all things, it has some risks.

It is mostly safe, but sometimes you might:

• Feel tired
• Have muscle aches
• Feel short of breath

People at the rehab will help you stay safe. They teach you how to be careful. You can always ask questions or use pictures to understand better.

Will I get any learning materials?

You might get some books or worksheets to help you learn. Using pictures and videos can also make learning easier. If you have trouble reading, you can ask someone to read with you. For more help, try listening to audiobooks or using learning apps.

Can breathing exercises help fix my lung problem?

Should I keep doing exercises after I finish the program?

Yes, it's good to keep doing exercises. It helps you stay strong and healthy. Try to find fun ways to exercise, like playing games or sports.

If you need help, you can ask a friend or a family member. You can also use videos or apps to guide you.