Who Can Benefit
Patients living with lung disease such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) are
candidates for our Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program. Two of the most common diagnoses of
COPD are emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Other patients who can benefit from Pulmonary
Rehabilitation include those with asthma, interstitial fibrosis, bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis,
chest wall diseases, neuromuscular disorders, a lung resection, a lung transplant, a lung volume
reduction, or cancer.
How We Can Help
Our Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program is the only service of its kind in the entire San Gabriel
Valley. It is a 6-week program designed to help patients manage their symptoms, improve
tolerance to their activities of daily living, reduce hospitalizations, and improve their overall
health condition and long-term outlook. The rehabilitation team and referring physician work
together to provide a program tailored to meet the needs of the individual patient.
Components
of the program include:
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Development of an appropriate exercise program
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Instruction in the use of breathing medications (bronchodilators, steroids, supplemental oxygen)
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Breathing retraining
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Instruction in energy conservation and pacing techniques
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Instruction in airway clearance
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Education in anxiety reducing techniques to help control shortness of breath
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Education in nutrition
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Instruction in early recognition of signs and symptoms of respiratory infections
After completing the program, patients demonstrate an improvement in their
activity/exercise tolerance and management of their disease. A maintenance exercise
program is also offered to help patients maintain their level of fitness.
Types of Conditions Treated
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COPD
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Emphysema
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Chronic Bronchitis
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Asthma
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Bronchiectesis
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Cystic Fibrosis
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Restrictive Lung Disease
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Chest Wall Disease
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Neuromuscular Diseases
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Interstitial Fibrosis
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Lung Resection
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Lung Volume Reduction
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Lung Transplant
Breath Savers Support and Education Group
Breath Savers provides health education, personal contact and social involvement to help members share the challenges and victories inherent in living with lung disease. Family, friends and those who wish to learn more about lung disease are also invited to join Breath Savers.
Monthly meetings are held in the Conference Center at Citrus Valley Medical Center -- Inter-Community Campus. Lunch is from noon to 1 p.m., followed by an informative hour-long program. The program is free, but there is a $7 charge if you join the group for lunch.
Learn more about Breath Savers