Pulmonary Dysfunction Therapy

TIRR Memorial Hermann and the Memorial Hermann Rehabilitation Network are leading the charge in the functional rehabilitation of individuals with lung disease. Our rehabilitation experts understand the challenges breathing difficulties place on the patient’s life. Through our therapies, we help patients achieve and maintain maximum independence and improved quality of life.

What Is Pulmonary Dysfunction?

“Pulmonary” means of or related to the lungs. Pulmonary dysfunction refers to diseases of the lungs, such as:

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Lung cancer
• Emphysema
• Asthma
• Cystic fibrosis
• Pneumonia
• Chronic lung disease (such as chronic bronchitis)
• Pre- and post- thoracic and abdominal surgery

What Are the Symptoms of Pulmonary Dysfunction?

The symptoms of pulmonary dysfunction will vary depend on the underlying cause of the patient’s disease. Some of the more common symptoms include:

• Difficulty breathing / shortness of breath
• Chronic cough
• Wheezing
• Weakness / fatigue
• Reduced appetite and weight loss
• Anxiety and depression
• Sleep problems
• Blue-tinged lips or fingernail beds, due to a lack of oxygen
• Morning headaches due to a lack of oxygen, when breathing at night is difficult

Pulmonary Dysfunction Therapy is a progressively intensive therapy and education program that maximizes patient outcomes through:

• Rigorous evaluation of functional status
• Progressively intensive therapeutic exercise and functional activity programs tailored to the patient’s condition and needs
• A continuum of care that may include: inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient rehabilitation and a community wellness program
• Extensive education and support to ensure patients and families have the resources and knowledge needed for successful integration back into the home and community
• Home Pulmonary Dysfunction Therapy for patients requiring in-home therapy
  

Pulmonary Dysfunction Therapy can help patients with lung disease achieve and maintain their maximum level of independence and functioning in the community. Specifically, we help patients:

• Decrease shortness of breath
• Decrease fatigue and increase endurance
• Increase walking tolerance
• Increase strength (of arms, legs and breathing muscles)
• Develop coping mechanisms
• Improve their sense of wellbeing
• Reduce the recurrence of hospitalizations

We have a knowledgeable outpatient interdisciplinary team that may include:

• Physical therapist
• Occupational therapist
• Speech language pathologist
• Neuropsychologist
• Clinical social worker
• Vocational counselor
• Wheelchair seating and positioning specialist
• Chaplain

Additional team members of an inpatient stay may include:

• Affiliated rehabilitation physician
• Rehabilitation nursing
• Therapeutic recreation therapist
• Music therapist
• Clinical pharmacist
• Case Manager
• Nutritionist

To make a referral or to schedule an appointment, please call 1 (800) 44-REHAB (73422), (713) 797-5942, fax (713) 797-5988 or fill out our online forms by clicking the buttons below.

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