In most cases, patients with physical injuries and conditions receive physical therapy to help increase their strength, range of motion or improve function.
     Pulmonary Rehabilitation works the same way for those suffering with lung and breathing conditions, or those recovering from illnesses that affected their breathing and lung capacity.
     At King’s Daughters Medical Center, patients can receive individualized treatments to improve their breathing and lung function, which leads to an improvement in their overall health and quality of life.
     “We have seen patients that are out of breath once they cross the room or complete what seems like the simplest task of tying their shoes,” said Honor Middleton, RRT, manager of KDMC’s Cardiopulmonary department.
     Patients must have a doctor’s order to enroll in treatments at the new center. During their visits, Middleton said they receive a personal treatment plan customized for each patient. Most of the patients seeking treatment for pulmonary illnesses and conditions have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, which actually encompasses many conditions including bronchitis, pulmonary fibrosis and even lupus. Asthma patients can also benefit from pulmonary rehabilitation.
     “In the past few years we are also seeing an increase in respiratory problems caused by factors such as asbestos contamination from exposure,” Middleton said. “This is just one of many situations in which patients can be helped and improve from therapy.”
     The center is equipped with physical therapy types of equipment, including a treadmill, two stationary bikes, and two tabletop exercise peddling machines. Patients use this piece of equipment with their hands and arms to “peddle,” which results in gradual increases of their heart rate and, consequently, their breathing rates.
     “Ratings for patients with breathing problems are on a simple scale of 1 to 10 and through therapy we continue to asses the patient to see how much progress they are making on that numerical scale,” Middleton said.
     Most programs for individual patients last 8 to 10 weeks with some patients visiting the center up to 3 times per week. During sessions, Middleton said patients are monitored and oxygen is provided for those patients needing it.
     In addition to actual rehabilitation treatments, including the physical exercise, the center and its staff also offers education for the patient. For instance, many patients use personal equipment to assist them in their breathing. Middleton said the center helps them learn and understand how to properly use their pulmonary equipment at home.
     “There are many ways we can help pulmonary patients and when you improve your ability to breath, you improve your entire ability to function day in and day out,” Middleton said. “We are proud of our center and we enjoy having a center like this one to treat and ultimately help patients here in our community.” 
     Patients who think they may be able to benefit from pulmonary rehabilitation should consult their doctor. King’s Daughters Medical Center’s Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center is located next to the hospital and Brookhaven Urology. Other staff members treating patients in the center includes Jessica Burgess, RRT. Dr. Jeffery Ross oversees the center as its Medical Director.

• COPD (including alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency)
• Persistent asthma
• Bronchiectasis
• Cystic fibrosis
• Bronchiolitis obliterans

• Interstitial diseases
  • Interstitial fibrosis
  • Occupational or environmental lung disease
  • Sarcoidosis
• Chest wall diseases
  • Kyphoscoliosis
  • Ankylosing spondylitis
• Neuromuscular diseases
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Post-polio syndrome
  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
  • Diaphragmatic dysfunction
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Post-tuberculosis syndrom

• Other conditions  
  • Lung cancer
  • Pre and post thoracic and abdominal surgery
  • Pre and post lung transplantation
  • Pre and post lung volume reduction surgery
  • Ventilatory dependency
  • Pediatric patients with respiratory disease
  • Obesity related respiratory disease

Components of pulmonary rehabilitation:Pulmonary rehabilitation is a program of care for patients with chronic respiratory impairment that is individually tailored and designed to optimize physical and social performance and autonomy. The core components of pulmonary rehabilitation include:

o         Patient Assessment of current functional status

o         Exercise training and other therapeutic exercise (aerobic and strength)

o         Education and skills training (such as breathing retraining)

o         Nutritional assessment and intervention if necessary

o         Psychosocial assessment, support, and intervention if necessary

o         Smoking cessation if currently smoking

o         Medication management and education

o         Implementation of a home treatment program and possible follow up 

Benefits of Pulmonary Rehab:Patients may expect to experience the following benefits:

• Less shortness of breath
• Ability to resume some hobbies and activities they once enjoyed
• Less fatigue after performing daily chores
• Greater strength and endurance
• Less depression and anxiety
• A better understanding of ways to manage their disease
• Fewer hospitalizations
• Greater independence
• Improved quality of life

KDMC’s Pulmonary Rehab program, which is part of King’s Daughters Medical Center, is located in front of the hospital on Highway 51 N. A doctor's referral is required. Clinic hours are Monday, Wednesday, & Friday 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.  For more information about the program, call (865) 835-9270.

Smoking Cessation Program
A smoking cessation program is available for anyone who wants to participate. A physician's order is not required. We use the Freedom from Smoking ® classes developed by the American Lung Association. Each program series consists of four classes within 2 weeks in which patients work with the instructor to identify people, places and things that trigger the urge to smoke. Each patient then works with the instructor to develop an individualized stop smoking plan. Classes are held several times a year at a cost of $10. For more information about KDMC’s smoking cessation classes, please call (601) 835-9406.