Chronic pulmonary (lung) disease can be a debilitating illness that causes shortness of breath and impacts the ability to perform everyday activities. It often leads to an inactive lifestyle resulting in deterioration of the body’s muscle function. Mercy Medical Center - Des Moines offers a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program to assist persons with chronic lung disease to regain their strength and muscle function, often improving health and independence.

The Pulmonary Rehabilitation Team consists of:

• medical director
• registered nurses
• respiratory therapists
• physical therapists
• exercise specialist
• registered dietitian
• social workers
• clinical pharmacist

Successful participation in a comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation program can result in benefits such as:

• a decrease in respiratory symptoms
• enhanced ability to live independently
• increased exercise capacity
• reduction in hospitalizations
• ability to return to work in selected cases
• increased knowledge about lung disease and its management

The Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program is an individualized program comprised of exercise, education and nutritional assessment and education. A typical program meets two times per week for 10-12 weeks. Medicare or private insurance may cover the cost of the program.

Prior to entering the program, participants must be non-smokers and will be asked to have a measurement of lung capacity. They will also be assessed for exercise abilities and have a general health evaluation.