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About Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease



Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive, unbearable, permanent condition accounting for major population morbidity and mortality. Pulmonary rehabilitation is a program consisting of exercise, education and social support, used in the treatment of COPD. COPD exercise and education sessions involve both the patient and his family. Pulmonary rehabilitation for COPD combines different therapies to help reduce symptoms, improve the quality of life and encourage active participation in the treatment.

Exercise aids to control the symptoms of the COPD, such as shortness of breath and frequent upper respiratory infections. Relaxation exercise is simple to do and combine deep breathing, releasing of muscle tension and clearing of negative thoughts. Practicing exercises regularly serves to reduce the negative effects of stress. Exercise helps COPD patients to reduce lung dynamic hyperinflation (DH). Little things, including walking around the house or picking up books, can help strengthen COPD patients. Swimming is an excellent exercise for COPD patients. Before exercise, it is advisable to use medicines prescribed by the doctor. After the exercise session, COPD groups show significant improvement in one measure of mental performance known as verbal fluency. Relaxation is a means to deal with the anxiety and nervousness that often accompanies COPD. Relaxation exercise combined with calming music, progressive muscle relaxation, controlled breathing and mental imagery to help achieve a serene state of body and mind. However, exercise will not reverse the damage to your lungs already caused by COPD.

Many studies show that when the COPD patients at rest have decrease of inspiratory capacity, the maximal tidal volume and maximal oxygen consumption are reduced. But during exercise, these patients also show a significant increase in arterial carbon dioxide partial pressure and reduction in arterial oxygen partial pressure. Researchers found that people with COPD showed immediate improvement in mental function after 20 minutes of riding a stationary bicycle. The education component takes account of the respiratory anatomy and physiology, as well as simplified explanations of the disease process and therapy.

Resource personnel are needed to teach and supervise respiratory therapy techniques such as the use of supplemental oxygen, inhalers and nebulizers. Physical therapy comprising breathing techniques, chest physical therapy and postural drainage, exercise conditioning of the upper and lower extremities, and activities of daily living such as work simplification and energy conservation are followed.

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