Pulmonary Rehab Improves COPD

Treatment guidelines for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) call for pulmonary rehabilitation soon after a patient returns home from the hospital after worsening COPD. The updated guidelines are part of the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD).

GOLD supports research and offers education for COPD treatment. When revising the guidelines, GOLD looks at medical studies for treatments that may help those with COPD.

Pulmonary rehabilitation may not improve lung function, but it does improve independence, the quality of life, and the ability to exercise. It also decreases the frequency and length of hospital stay for COPD patients.