Pulmonary Rehabilitation in COPD

.Pulmonary rehabilitation improves symptoms, quality of life, pulmonary function, health care utilization, and may improve survival in patients with COPD. The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Disease suggests that pulmonary rehabilitation be included in the management of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who are symptomatic with functional limitations and suffering from moderate or severe exacerbations. Contraindications to pulmonary rehabilitation are infrequent, but include conditions that would place the patient at increased risk during exercise or present obstacles to participation. Prior to participation in a pulmonary rehabilitation program, each patient is assessed individually for severity of respiratory impairment, exercise tolerance, presence of comorbidities and cognitive-language-psychosocial problems. Program component include patient education, exercise therapy, functional activities, symptoms and stress coping strategies, work hardening and alternative regimens (e.g Qi Gong).