Pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Ouksel, H.; Pison, C.
La Revue du Praticien 54(13): 1432-1435
2004
ISSN/ISBN: 0035-2640 PMID: 15497797 Document Number: 568221
Management of COPD has underscored the systemic dimension of the disease, but pulmonary rehabilitation is now recognised as a cornerstone of the treatment of COPD. A multidisciplinary team is needed where the general practitioner has a central role as a coordinator. The efficacy of pulmonary rehabilitation in decreasing dyspnea, improving endurance capacity, quality of life, reducing health related costs, is evidenced based with the highest degree of validation. Modalities regarding the setting: (in-based, out-based, or at home) are not precisely delineated but results are comparable. Finally, resources dedicated to pulmonary rehabilitation are inadequate regarding the growing demand.