Lung disease is a condition that hampers lung function. There are three main types: airway diseases, lung tissue diseases, and lung circulation diseases. Anyone might suffer from lung disease, but your risk can increase if you smoke, are exposed to dust or fumes for a prolonged time, or have a family history of lung disease. The symptoms of lung disease include asthma, chronic bronchitis, influenza, pneumonia, lung cancer, Sarcoidosis, and pulmonary fibrosis.
To get the necessary treatment you need to book an appointment with a lung specialist doctor in Siliguri. Pulmonary rehabilitation is a health program that helps spread awareness about the lungs and its diseases. Before starting the program the doctor will assess your symptoms, oxygen needs, exercise capacity, health condition including comorbidities, and mental health.
How Pulmonary Rehabilitation helps People Suffering from Lung Disease
Exercise:
One of the most essential components of pulmonary rehabilitation is exercise. This physical activity helps you to breathe efficiently by improving your lung function, increasing physical endurance, and strengthening the muscles of the lungs. A healthcare expert will select the physical activity that you can perform safely and during this session, you have exercise sessions two to three days a week. He will be there to guide you and help you out throughout the process as well.
The pulmonary rehab exercise might include warm-up and cool-down, stretching exercises, respiratory muscle training, resistance or weight training, etc. You will start with shorter exercises and gradually increase their duration over time. Each exercise you will do will last for a minute and it might be extended for up to 30 minutes depending on your comfort. During this procedure, the doctor will ensure whether you are managing the level of exercise or not. He will also ask you whether you are feeling any kind of discomfort including breathlessness during the process.
Education:
Education is one of the most important things that can help a patient suffering from various disorders. For pulmonary rehabilitation, you can visit the best pulmonologist in Siliguri, who will guide you on how to manage the symptoms of Lung disease and how to live better with your lung condition. This includes managing shortness of breath, understanding medications, when to use supplemental oxygen, treating infections, and you can learn how to use medical equipment at home.
Breathing retraining:
When you suffer from lung disease you might suffer from shortness of breath while doing regular activities. This is why breathing retraining is done during pulmonary rehabilitation which helps you to manage the condition of chronic lung disease including breathlessness. The breathing retraining techniques might include controlled breathing techniques like diaphragmatic breathing or pursed lip breathing, relaxation techniques, and suggests tripod/orthopneic position that helps to relieve shortness of breath.
Chest physiotherapy:
During lung disease, you might face a condition where a lot of mucus is accumulated in your lungs and airways. This is the reason Chest psychotherapy is included in the pulmonary rehabilitation program. During this program, the doctor can teach you techniques or devices on how to clear mucus. This includes coughing and breathing techniques, Positive expiratory pressure (PEP), Airway clearance vests, and Postural drainage and percussion (physical therapy).
Mental health support:
When an individual suffers from chronic lung disease it might feel stressful to live with it. This is why mental health support is provided in a pulmonary rehabilitation centre which helps you to manage anxiety, stress, depression, and other mental health issues. The techniques used are relaxation/distraction techniques, counselling, support groups, and medications.
Nutrition:
Malnutrition can increase the risk of infections and respiratory failure in people suffering from lung diseases. This is because nutrition recommendation is given in pulmonary rehabilitation which improves lung functions and exercise tolerance and reduces the risk of complications. Depending on your current lung condition the doctor might suggest proper nutrition which helps to increase the strength of the lungs. This might mean you have to consume the necessary amount of protein and eat smaller but more frequent meals. If you are at higher risk of aspiration the doctor might teach you swallowing techniques to minimize the risk.
Conclusion:
Lung disease is a serious condition which is caused by infections, environmental factors, and genetic conditions. The symptoms of this disease include shortness of breath, chronic cough, wheezing, chest pain, and excessive mucus production. To get the necessary treatment you can visit a lung specialist doctor in Siliguri. Pulmonary rehabilitation is an awareness program that is advised by a healthcare expert to manage the symptoms of chronic lung diseases. This program includes exercise, education, breathing retraining, chest physiotherapy, mental health support, and nutritional recommendations.
