Pulmonary rehabilitation: An overview

Abstract

The burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has increased recently in developing countries. On the other hand, structured or non-structured rehabilitation services for COPD patients are not routinely available in these countries. We, therefore, planned this review to re-emphasize the emerging benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation in COPD population. Aim of this review is to stimulate pulmonary physicians in India and other resource-poor areas of the world so that they start using pulmonary rehabilitation or its components more often. The search included standard english literature PubMed citation of relevant original articles, review articles and practice guidelines. The articles and reviews were searched including standard MeSH terms – Rehabilitation (TIAB) and pulmonary disease, chronic obstructive/therapy (MAJOR) and guidelines (TIAB). Available 58 articles in English including 23 reviews from July 2001 to October 2010 were screened for evidence-based benefits regarding respiratory rehabilitation as a whole or its different components. The cross references and current citations relating to primary articles were also included for description. No attempt was done to make a systematic analysis because our purpose was not to derive evidence-based recommendations from database and because sufficient evidence is already available for benefits of selected components of pulmonary rehabilitation in COPD patients. Pulmonary rehabilitation has emerged as an important modality as an adjunct to other therapies in patients of COPD. Limited and more cost-effective protocols are to be developed and executed by healthcare providers, especially in developing countries like India.

Microbiological, Health and Comfort Aspects of Indoor Air Quality in a Romanian Historical Wooden Church

“…Most generated pathologies by the fungi are respiratory tract pathologies, which have an important socio-economic impact both due to their frequency and due to the influence they have on the quality of life of patients. In particular, people with frequent exposure to such an environment should follow a respiratory rehabilitation program that aims to reduce symptoms, optimize exercise capacity and reduce financial costs by stabilizing or limiting systemic manifestations of disease [ 89 , 90 , 91 , 92 , 93 , 94 ].…”

Pulmonary rehabilitation for cystic fibrosis: A narrative review of current literature

“…The duration varies from 30 to 60 min and exercise can be continuous or intermittent and training can target endurance and/or strength. Patients should be able to continue effective training once supervised sessions have ended and regular physical activity five times a week for 30 min each time is encouraged regardless of rehabilitation, as healthy living advice [10,11].…”

“…Stable cardiovascular disease is not a contraindication. Active cigarette smoking is, in certain cases, considered as a relative contraindication, although patients with COPD should be referred regardless of their smoking status [10,11].…”

Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

“…1 It is beneficial for patients with disability or severe functional limitation who cannot regularly attend outpatient programs, and for patients who require daily ongoing medical and/or nursing care. [2][3][4][5] Factors that influence the selection of a rehabilitation setting include. 2 characteristics of a particular healthcare setting or system such as availability of long-term programs, availability of inpatient or outpatient programs, transportation to and from the pulmonary rehabilitation program, and payment considerations.…”