Exercise plays an important role in both your physical and mental health. It is widely recognised that exercise improves your wellbeing and can help to reduce symptoms such as breathlessness. It is important to keep your body moving and maintain exercise habits.
In Australia, there are personalised hospital, telehealth, home-based and community exercise programs available for people living with a chronic lung disease or lung cancer, such as pulmonary rehabilitation and Lungs in Action. These programs are the safest and best way to exercise for people living with lung disease or lung cancer. They include tailored exercise and self-management programs prescribed by a physiotherapist or exercise physiologist and you will complete a pre- and post-assessment to determine your eligibility to attend these programs. Talk to your healthcare professional about whether these exercise programs are right for you.
The Pulmonary Rehabilitation fact sheet provides an overview of what pulmonary rehabilitation is, and also covers topics including:
- Who can attend pulmonary rehabilitation?
- What are the benefits?
- What does it involve and it is safe?
- What topics are in the education sessions?
- Will pulmonary rehabilitation help me?
- How do I join a pulmonary rehabilitation program?
- What happens when I’ve finished pulmonary rehabilitation?
This information is intended as a general guide and health information only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Talk to your healthcare professional about whether these exercise programs are right for you.
Stop exercising and call 000 if you experience any signs and symptoms of a heart attack. Stop and rest immediately if you experience any of the below:
- dizziness or feeling faint,
- excessive wheezing,
- extreme pain,
- coughing up blood,
- extreme shortness of breath,
- blurred vision,
- nausea,
- feeling of palpitations or a racing heart, and
- chest pain.
For further information you can access the exercise webpage on the Lung Foundation Australia website: https://lungfoundation.com.au/patients-carers/support-services/lung-disease-and-exercise/.
You can also contact our Information and Support Centre on 1800 654 301 for support.
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