Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterised by persistent airflow limitation due to chronic inflammation within the airways and lung in response to noxious particles or gases. People with this condition are limited by dyspnoea and have impaired exercise capacity and health-related quality of life.

Dr. Kalpesh Panchal and his team at Swastik Hospital address the medical gap in the management of this therapy addressing pulmonary disorders like Asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Recurrent Respiratory infections and Allergic Bronchitis with an aim of remission or even curing the illnesses.

Pulmonary rehabilitation is considered an important component in the clinical management of people with COPD. The American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society have recently defined pulmonary rehabilitation as

“a comprehensive intervention based on a thorough patient assessment followed by patient-tailored therapies, which include, but are not limited to, exercise training, education and behaviour change, designed to improve the physical and psychological condition of people with chronic respiratory disease and to promote the long-term adherence to health-enhancing behaviours.”

Pulmonary rehabilitation represents an ideal opportunity to facilitate chronic disease self-management (CDSM) by people with COPD.

Specifically, CDSM aims to promote a person’s ability to manage their condition collaboratively with healthcare providers to improve their well-being.

Goals of CDSM may include minimising symptoms and optimising treatment, as well as managing the physical, psychosocial and lifestyle changes imposed by a chronic condition.

This is achieved by facilitating effective patient–healthcare provider dialogues and empowering people to implement treatment regimens and changes in behaviour that optimise control of their condition and improve health outcomes