Guidelines Push Pulmonary Rehab for COPD Patients

Exercise improves quality of life for those limited by respiratory disease

TUESDAY, May 29, 2007 (HealthDay News) -- Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) should take part in a comprehensive rehabilitation program that includes both low- and high-intensity exercise, say new guidelines issued by the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) and the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation.

Along with exercise, pulmonary rehabilitation can include education, instruction in various respiratory techniques, and psychosocial support. Research shows that this kind of program is appropriate for any patient with stable COPD who is disabled by respiratory symptoms.

The guidelines, which are published in the May issue of the journal Chest, state that pulmonary rehabilitation can improve a COPD patient's exercise tolerance, breathing problems (dyspnea), and quality of life, while reducing the use of health care services and length of hospital stays.

"COPD partially blocks airways, making it difficult to breathe and participate in simple, everyday activities," Dr. Andrew Ries, chair of the guideline writing committee, said in a prepared statement.

"The primary goal of pulmonary rehabilitation is to restore the patient to the highest possible level of independent function. We want patients to become more physically active and to learn more about their disease, treatment options, and how to cope," Ries said.

He and his colleagues noted that pulmonary rehabilitation can also benefit people with other respiratory diseases, including asthma, lung cancer, and pulmonary fibrosis.

More information

The American Academy of Family Physicians has more about COPD.

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