Discussions

🫁 Have you ever asked about pulmonary rehab?

Pulmonary rehab may not be something you've heard much about with bronchiectasis or NTM. In fact, your doctor may have never even mentioned it. But if you're finding it harder to stay active, getting more short of breath doing everyday things, or feeling like you've lost some strength or stamina, it may be worth asking about.

And don't let the word “rehab” scare you off.

Pulmonary rehab isn't about becoming an athlete or seeing how long you can last on a treadmill. It's a program designed to meet you where you are and help you learn how to safely do more of what you're able to do.

Exercise is part of it, but there's much more. You may learn about breathing techniques, airway clearance, medications, oxygen, nutrition, ways to conserve your energy, and how to better manage day-to-day life with a lung condition.

Sometimes, one of the biggest benefits is simply gaining a little more confidence in what your body can do.

So if pulmonary rehab has never come up in conversation with your healthcare team, there's nothing wrong with being the one to bring it up:

“Do you think pulmonary rehab could help me?”

That one question could open the door to something you didn't know was available.

Have you been through pulmonary rehab? We'd love to hear about your experience. What helped you the most? And if you've never tried it, is it something you'd consider asking your healthcare team about?

The Bronchiectasis and NTM Association has a great resource that explains pulmonary rehab, what happens during the program, and how it may help:

https://www.bronchandntm.org/For-Patients/Learn-More/Exacerbations-and-Treatment/Pulmonary-Rehab

Does anyone have a recommendation for a virtual pulmonary rehab program?

Cjack

what exercises do you do and what is the best exercise you have fund

Any exercise is better than no exercise for individuals who have lung disorders The link below reviews the benefits of exercise for the BNTM patient: https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Learn-More/I-am-a-Patient-or-Caregiver/Exercise

We may not always be up to exercising but exercise is highly recommended for better lung health. We can allow ourselves to take some off when we are not feeling well but we must try to push ourselves to do some type of exercise on the other days. The link below provides information on the benefits of exercise: https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Learn-More/I-am-a-Patient-or-Caregiver/Exercise

The blog article below reviews the benefits of exercise: https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/BronchandNTM360social/Community-Discussions/Blog/Article/51/NTM-Lung-Disease-Exercise