Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Pulmonary Rehabilitation is a team-based program of evaluation, care, treatment and management of your breathing difficulties.

You may be short of breath because of:

• Asthma
• Emphysema
• Interstitial Lung Disease
• Bronchitis
• Pulmonary Fibrosis
• Bronchiectasis

Your ability to breathe freely becomes a personal health challenge that can be met successfully through rehabilitation and adapting to new lifestyle behaviors which help restore a quality life.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation services are provided by specialized hospital staff members including our Medical Director, Registered Nurse, and Respiratory Therapist. When needed a Social Worker, Physical Therapist, and Dietitian are available. Mark Twain Medical Center interdisciplinary staff has extensive experience in working with people of all ages.

• Increase  your activity levelt hrough exercise while decreasing shortness of breath.
• Provide guidance for better nutrition and stress management.
• Instruction on the proper upkeep and usage of your prescribed breathing devices.
• Teach techniques to better care for yourself at home.
• Communicate with your physician on a regular basis to assist them on monitoring your progress in the rehabilitation program.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation program graduates have a significant reduction in future hospitalization time as well as measurable improvement in activity levels, decreased periods of depression and better communication with family members.

Program graduates also experience improved ability to cope with daily life stresses associated with recurring breathing problems.

• Improved quality of life.
• Higher level of physical well being.
• Minimized or decreased episodes of shortness of breath.
• Fewer and shorter future hospital visits.