
Pulmonary Rehabilitation for ILD
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Why choose UCSF Health for ILD pulmonary rehabilitation?
Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a group of conditions caused by inflammation and scarring on the lungs, making it hard to breathe. UCSF Health's respiratory therapists help patients with ILD manage symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath and fatigue.
Together with the experts at the Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) Program, we provide holistic care to improve your quality of life. Our pulmonary rehab care team helps you understand ILD, making it easier to manage.
We help you:
-
Breathe easier with less shortness of breath and fatigue
-
Perform daily activities
-
Improve your exercise abilities
-
Gain confidence in managing symptoms
-
Reduce anxiety and depression related to ILD
Why choose UCSF Health for ILD pulmonary rehabilitation?
Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a group of conditions caused by inflammation and scarring on the lungs, making it hard to breathe. UCSF Health's respiratory therapists help patients with ILD manage symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath and fatigue.
Together with the experts at the Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) Program, we provide holistic care to improve your quality of life. Our pulmonary rehab care team helps you understand ILD, making it easier to manage.
We help you:
-
Breathe easier with less shortness of breath and fatigue
-
Perform daily activities
-
Improve your exercise abilities
-
Gain confidence in managing symptoms
-
Reduce anxiety and depression related to ILD
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Holistic approach
Managing ILD includes making lifestyle changes to help improve your quality of life. We help tailor a care plan that fits your goals and preferences.Expert providers
Our respiratory therapists tailor care plans for patients with ILD. We provide you with the necessary resources to optimize your lung function.Collaborative care
We track your progress and communicate with your referring doctor, making sure your therapies are achieving the best results.Accessible appointments
Our respiratory therapists help you schedule appointments that are convenient for you.
ILD pulmonary rehabilitation: What to expect
You meet with our pulmonary rehab team for 12 to 18 sessions. Sessions are typically two hours and held twice a week.
Each session includes one hour of education and one hour of supervised exercise. We track your progress and help you meet your goals.
Supervised exercise includes:
Treadmill
Stationary bike
Weight training
Educational topics we cover include:
Medications
Nutrition
Breathing exercises
Relaxation techniques
Energy conservation
Psychosocial issues
Smoking cessation
Oxygen use
To enroll in the pulmonary rehabilitation program, you need a referral from your doctor and medical records such as a pulmonary function test, EKG, brief medical history and physical.
Recognized excellence

Best in the West and No. 3 in the nation for pulmonology & lung surgery
Related services
Related conditions & treatments
Accreditations & memberships

Designated pulmonary fibrosis care center
The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation recognizes UCSF Health as a leader in comprehensive pulmonary fibrosis care.









