Pulmonary rehabilitation is a program of exercise, education, and psychosocial support for persons with chronic lung disease and their families. A pulmonary rehabilitation program assists people in learning to control the symptoms of lung disease, while working to achieve and maintain their maximal level of independence and functioning in the community, thereby improving their quality of life. 

The goals of pulmonary rehabilitation include:

• Reduction of emergency room visits and length of hospitalizations related to lung disease.
• Reduction of respiratory symptoms, such as shortness of breath.
• Reduction of anxiety and depression.
• Increased knowledge about pulmonary disease and its management.
• Increased exercise tolerance and performance.
• Enhanced ability to perform activities of daily living.
• Increased survival in some patients.
• Return to work for some patients.

For a list of Pulmonary Rehabilitation programs in Iowa, check our program directory. For more information and resources about Pulmonary Rehabilitation, check out the AACVPR website.