Inpatient Pulmonary Rehabilitation: Breathing Easier, Improving Function

For most people, breathing happens automatically. However, some medical conditions or specific events can make breathing more difficult.  People who have experienced cardiopulmonary chronic diseases, a surgical procedure, an infection, or just an exacerbation of their chronic disease may suffer from labored breathing or shortness of breath. A person without chronic pulmonary disease but who battles other disabling diseases or injuries may also be challenged with pulmonary complications.

The simplest daily tasks, like getting out of bed, walking to the bathroom, dressing, or eating can become an exhausting struggle and may result in shortness of breath or a feeling of labored breathing.

Inpatient pulmonary rehabilitation is beneficial in any of the previously mentioned scenarios.

What Is Inpatient Pulmonary Rehabilitation?

Inpatient pulmonary rehabilitation is a hospital-based medical rehabilitation program designed for patients who need daily, structured respiratory therapy, nursing care, physical therapy, and medical management. It can help them rebuild strength to return back to their life with the highest level of function and the least labored breathing. The respiratory therapy team assesses breathing function, manages and monitors supplemental oxygen, and administers respiratory therapy treatments in collaboration with the medical team.

Inpatient pulmonary rehabilitation is often necessary to rebuild the person’s physical strength and lung function with extensive pulmonary rehabilitation treatments by the team of rehab-trained nurses, respiratory therapists, physical and occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, dietitians, and physical medicine rehabilitation physicians.

This comprehensive approach helps ensure optimal function, with improved lung capacity and easier breathing. 

Who Needs Inpatient Pulmonary Rehabilitation?

Often, people who are too ill and weak for outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation require a hospital setting with a structured rehabilitation program to achieve the best outcomes. A few types of conditions may require inpatient rehabilitation, such as:

• Cardiovascular and cardiopulmonary diseases may call for inpatient rehabilitation either upon initial diagnosis or a flare-up of these chronic diseases. Examples are: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), coronary artery disease (CAD), pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary fibrosis, and complications from cancer and associated treatments.

• Post-Surgical Recovery: Individuals healing from lung transplants, thoracic.  surgery, or major operations affecting breathing.

·       Major multi-traumatic injury with extensive hospitalization and surgeries. 

• Post-Critical Illness/Infection: Patients recovering from pneumonia, prolonged ventilator use, or other serious respiratory infections.

• Multiple or Complex Conditions: Patients managing respiratory issues alongside stroke, trauma, or other medical diagnoses.

Core Components of Inpatient Pulmonary Rehabilitation

A successful inpatient program goes beyond traditional respiratory care by addressing every aspect of recovery. The journey starts with an assessment, a comprehensive evaluation of medical history, respiratory function, mobility, and personal goals.

1. Daily, Intensive Therapy

Patients receive therapy sessions each day tailored to their plan of care. Treatment may include:

• Bedside exercises for those just beginning to move again

• Walking with support to rebuild stamina

• Resistance training to strengthen muscles used for breathing

• Breathing exercises and respiratory therapy treatments to increase lung efficiency

Having medical rehabilitation delivered within the hospital ensures patients can safely push their limits while being closely monitored.

2. Medical and Nursing Care

Unlike outpatient settings, inpatient rehab provides 24-hour access to medical professionals. This ensures:

• Medications are closely managed

• Oxygen levels are monitored and adjusted

• Complications can be addressed immediately

• Nurses and case managers provide ongoing education, support, and encouragement

This continuous care provides the opportunity for the highest improvements in mobility and function.

3. Education and Family Involvement

Education is woven into every part of the inpatient stay. Patients and families learn how to:

• Proper use of inhalers, nebulizers, and oxygen equipment that are new to them

• Identify early warning signs of flare-ups

• Create safe environments at home for easier breathing

• Refer to support services such as home health or ongoing outpatient therapy

• Build routines that conserve energy and reduce the risk of rehospitalization

Involving families in the process helps ensure patients receive the support they need upon discharge.

4. Discharge Planning

Hospital-based rehabilitation also provides access to resources that may be needed upon discharge, including emotional and social support. The case managers coordinate the transition to home with outpatient care or home health, including ongoing treatments such as exercise and breathing practices, as well as follow-up appointments.

Benefits of Inpatient Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Patients completing inpatient pulmonary rehabilitation often experience:

• Improved breathing control and reduced shortness of breath

• Increased mobility, strength, and independence

• Shorter recovery times following hospitalization or surgery

• Lower risk of complications and readmissions

• Greater confidence in managing their condition at home

• Emotional resilience and improved quality of life

Taking the Next Step with Us

If you or a loved one is struggling with a chronic lung condition or recovering from a serious, disabling disease or injury, inpatient pulmonary rehabilitation provides the intensive care and medical rehabilitation needed for optimal outcomes. If you or a loved one needs inpatient pulmonary rehabilitation, contact us today.