Pulmonary Rehabilitation for ILD Patients

Pulmonary Rehabilitation for ILD

Get effective, ILD-focused pulmonary rehabilitation from experienced providers.

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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

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

UCSF Health is ranked one of the top hospitals in the nation for pulmonology and lung surgery by U.S. News & World Report.
  • Best in the West and No. 3 in the nation for pulmonology & lung surgery

Accreditations & memberships

  • Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation

    Designated pulmonary fibrosis care center

    The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation recognizes UCSF Health as a leader in comprehensive pulmonary fibrosis care.
  • Cyclophosphamide is a medication that suppresses the immune response and reduces lung inflammation. Find answers to common cyclophosphamide questions.

  • Find answers to common questions about methotrexate, an immunosuppressant, including what to know before taking the drug and potential side effects.

  • Get answers to questions about mycophenolate, an immunosuppressant, including what to know before taking the drug, side effects and necessary monitoring.

  • Get information about prednisone, a medication to treat lung inflammation, including precautions, side effects and necessary monitoring.

  • Interstitial lung disease (ILD) may be linked to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Understand the symptoms of GERD, how it’s diagnosed and treatments.

  • Check out our nutrition guide for people with interstitial lung disease (ILD). Eating well can help prevent infection and keep your respiratory system healthy.

  • Stay informed with these interstitial lung disease (ILD) resources, including support groups, medication information, associated conditions and more.

  • Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is common in patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD). Get information on PH, including diagnosis and treatments.

  • Explore our comprehensive guide to using supplemental oxygen, including safety information and travel recommendations.

Pediatric pulmonology care

Our Bay Area pulmonologists treat children of all ages, providing comprehensive lung care.