[Improved exercise tolerance can be achieved in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by means of non-pharmacological treatment].

Abstract

A 67-year-old man with severe COPD and a 56-year-old woman with very severe COPD were dyspnoeic during even mild exercise, so that they could no longer take care of themselves properly. The man followed a rehabilitation programme aimed at restoration of his physical condition and self-confidence and optimisation of his nutritional status. The woman was subjected to surgery to reduce her lung volume. Both were subsequently able to live independently. During the past decade, considerable attention has been given to the non-pharmacological treatment of patients with COPD. Together with optimal pharmacotherapy, COPD can be effectively treated by rehabilitation, lung volume reduction surgery and lung transplantation. Clinically relevant improvements can be achieved in both exercise capacity and quality of life. The clinical condition, lung function and radiological findings guide the choice of treatment in each individual.

• Authors: P J Wijkstra, J B Wempe, W van der Bij, T Klinkenberg, N H T ten Hacken, G H Köeter
• Journal: Nederlands tijdschrift voor geneeskunde (Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd) Vol. 150 Issue 22 Pg. 1213-7 (Jun 03 2006) ISSN: 0028-2162 [Print] Netherlands
• Vernacular Title: Betere inspanningstolerantie bij COPD door niet-medicamenteuze behandeling.
• PMID: 16796170 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Comment, English Abstract, Journal Article)

Topics

• Activities of Daily Living
• Aged
• Exercise Tolerance (physiology)
• Female
• Humans
• Lung (surgery)
• Lung Transplantation
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive (rehabilitation, surgery, therapy)
• Quality of Life
• Treatment Outcome