One of the most surprising and unfortunate impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the long-term symptoms in survivors of the disease. According to studies, approximately 80% of COVID-19 patients developed one or more long-term symptoms, which can include fatigue, headache, coughing, mental disorders, and chronic pulmonary issues. Patients who were hospitalized or placed on a ventilator are even more susceptible to lingering pulmonary issues, but pulmonary rehabilitation can be an effective way to manage them.

What is pulmonary rehabilitation?

Most commonly used for chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), pulmonary rehabilitation is a program consisting of education and exercise. Pulmonary rehab aims to enhance lung function by increasing lung volume, while also increasing patient awareness of the lungs and the disease that is affecting their function. Rehabilitation therapists help patients learn to exercise using specific breathing techniques, and offer guidance on nutrition, relaxation, and strategies for living better with COPD or other pulmonary conditions. 

What are the benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation?

In addition to regaining lung volume lost due to COVID-19, COPD or other pulmonary conditions, pulmonary rehabilitation programs offer several benefits, including:

• Reduced shortness of breath

• Improved breath control

• Increased strength and endurance

• Improved appetite and sleeping patterns

• More control over stress and anxiety

• Overall empowerment to be more active, social and independent

• Overall improved quality of life

What kind of exercises are used during pulmonary rehabilitation?

Exercises during pulmonary rehabilitation help maximize lung and heart functioning. Exercise programs can be one-on-one or part of a group session. Exercises are organized in four main components:

Lower body: Leg workouts may include walking on a treadmill or around a track, gradually escalating to intense stair climbing.

Upper body: Because the muscles in the upper body are important for proper lung function, chest and arm exercises are employed, often using equipment for resistance. 

Breathing: Patients with weak breathing muscles can strengthen them by blowing through a mouthpiece against resistance. 

Strength training: Building endurance is important for lung function, but building strength is important as well, with patients using weights and other equipment to increase muscle strength.

How does pulmonary rehabilitation help COVID survivors?

A recent study into pulmonary rehabilitation for patients hospitalized with COVID-19 showed that the sooner patients participated in pulmonary rehabilitation, the better their outcomes over time. After an average of 21 days in the rehab program, the distance patients could walk in a six-minute period improved 180%, from 120 meters to 337 meters. Patients also regained normal lung volume and capacities, their leg and handgrip strength improved, and researchers noted a reduced risk for anxiety and depression. Researchers also found that the longer a patient waited to begin pulmonary rehabilitation, recovery would be slower and less effective. 

Pulmonary rehabilitation for COVID-19 patients in San Diego

If you or a loved one is recovering from COVID-19 and are planning to enroll in a pulmonary rehabilitation program, come see us. Bella Vista Health Center in San Diego offers a holistic approach to rehabilitating patients back to a high quality of independent living. For more information on our programs or to schedule a tour of our 5-Star Skilled Nursing Facility, fill out our contact form or call us at (619) 399-7920.