New Guidelines for Pulmonary Rehabilitation for Patients with Chronic Respiratory Diseases

These are the first U.S. guidelines to recommend rehabilitation for patients with chronic lung diseases beyond COPD.

Sponsoring Organization: American Thoracic Society (ATS)

Background

Chronic respiratory diseases, particularly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), contribute to quality-of-life declines, anxiety, and depression for many patients. Pulmonary rehabilitation, including exercise training and education, has been shown to decrease dyspnea and improve exercise capacity, quality of life, and emotional health. Despite these benefits, it is underutilized.

Key Points

Patients with stable COPD (regardless of degree of lung function impairment) and patients recently discharged from the hospital after COPD exacerbation should participate in pulmonary rehabilitation (strong recommendation).
Patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) should particip…

Reviewing Author

Patricia Kritek, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsATS Scholar

Patricia Kritek, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsATS Scholar

New Guidelines for Pulmonary Rehabilitation for Patients with Chronic Respiratory Diseases

Topics

Background

Key Points

Reviewing Author