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  3. Lung Disease Lookup
  4. Pulmonary Hypertension
  5. Treating and Managing Pulmonary Hypertension

Treating and Managing Pulmonary Hypertension

Treatment options for managing your PH will depend on what type of pulmonary hypertension you have. Each type of pulmonary hypertension requires a tailored treatment plan that follows the latest guidelines and recommendations for best health outcomes.  

In general, medicines used to treat pulmonary hypertension may include medications that: 

  • Open the pulmonary arteries by relaxing the tightened blood vessels or making their walls thinner which helps blood flow more easily and lowers blood pressure in the lungs
  • Relieve the burden of work on the right ventricle, improving its function
  • Prevent blood clots (mainly for CTEPH) 

Management of PH goes beyond medications and seeing your healthcare team on a regular basis. There are things you can do to help make sure your disease is well managed and improve your quality of life.

Your specialist may recommend pulmonary rehabilitation. This program offers education and exercise to help increase your understanding of your disease and improve your activity tolerance, making it easier to participate in daily activities without fatigue. 

Quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke is one of the most important decisions you can make. The American Lung Association offers resources to help you, or your loved ones, quit. 

It is important to stay active as much as possible. Find out from your healthcare provider what type and how much activity is right for you. 

Talk to your healthcare provider about recommendations to avoid strain on your lungs and heart. This may include avoiding activities such as sitting in a hot tub, using a sauna and traveling to high altitudes. 

Your healthcare provider can provide guidance on what foods may help you feel better, or you may be referred to a registered dietitian. They may talk to you about your salt intake and how to maintain a healthy weight to help you feel better. 

Stay up to date on all recommended vaccinations to prevent secondary infections.  

Emotional support is a vital component of managing a chronic lung disease. Having adequate emotional support can help with: 

  • Improving overall mental health 
  • Better ability to follow your treatment plan 
  • Improving your coping skills 
  • Decreasing feelings of isolation 
  • Improving communication with your healthcare team and those involved with managing your disease 

How Pulmonary Hypertension Guidelines Improve Patient Care

Find out how guidelines-based care has impacted Lindsay and Delores, both living with different types of PH.

Read the Blog

Find Support

No person facing a chronic lung disease should go through it alone. Finding support early in your journey will provide you with opportunities to get information about your disease, empower you to better manage your disease and give you the support you need.  

  • Better Breathers Clubs
     Learn ways to cope with lung disease and get support from others living with chronic lung disease. Better Breathers Club meetings are in-person or virtual support groups that give you the tools you need to live the best quality of life you can.  
  • Patient & Caregiver Network
     Join the Patient & Caregiver Network, which is a nationwide, online support program providing direct access to education, support and connection to others also living with lung disease. 
  • Living with Lung Disease
     Connect with others, share experiences and learn from friends in this free online forum for people facing lung disease. Our Living with Lung Disease virtual support group can help build your support network and give you a place to chat with peers about how your lung disease is affecting you. 
  • Living with PAH
    Our Living with PAH online community is for patients and caregivers for those living with pulmonary arterial hypertension, a specific type of PH. This free online forum provides a space to connect with others and find support. 
  • Lung Helpline
     Our Lung HelpLine is open seven days a week and is staffed by experienced registered nurses, respiratory therapists and certified tobacco treatment specialists. They can help you with questions related to finding a specialist, financial assistance programs, health insurance questions and more. 
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Next: Newly Diagnosed with Pulmonary Hypertension

Page last updated: November 12, 2025

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