Abstract

SAMPAIO, Maria. Pulmonary rehabilitation: the holistic approach of the person with COPD. Rev Port Med Geral Fam [online]. 2019, vol.35, n.2, pp.151-157. ISSN 2182-5173.  https://doi.org/10.32385/rpmgf.v35i2.12013.

Pulmonary rehabilitation is recognized today as a fundamental cornerstone in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). By adopting a holistic approach to the patient, taking into account the various systemic manifestations of the disease, it manages to improve symptoms, exacerbations, functional capacity with psychosocial aspects, thereby promoting an overall improvement in quality of life. Current evidence shows benefit in the implementation of this program from the moment the disease is symptomatic and impacts daily living activities. That often corresponds to moderate stages of airflow obstruction - GOLD 2 - and rehabilitation in this stage allows for a greater stabilisation, or even regression of the systemic manifestations of the disease. The responsiveness of hospital services offering this type of program is, however, very scarce, limited to the patients in more severe stages - GOLD 3, and mainly GOLD 4. Therefore, it is essential to develop community-based pulmonary rehabilitation programs within primary health care, in order to increase availability and equity of care to those who benefit from them.

Keywords : Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; Pulmonary rehabilitation.

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