Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is the seventh leading disease worldwide that can cause long-term disability. COPD leads to a decline in lung function, primarily affecting exhalation. This condition makes activities requiring higher oxygen consumption, such as exercise or physically demanding jobs, difficult to perform.
In COPD patients, fibrosis occurs, making lung tissue less elastic and impairing its ability to expand and contract properly. This results in a phenomenon known as air trapping, where inhaled air becomes difficult to exhale. Consequently, oxygen exchange is disrupted, preventing body tissues from receiving adequate oxygen to function. This condition makes patients feel easily fatigued or experience difficulty breathing during activity. In the early stages of COPD, patients tend to avoid excessive activity to prevent shortness of breath. This inactivity leads to further loss of body strength, making shortness of breath even more frequent and reducing activity levels further, creating a continuous cycle of fatigue. This vicious cycle worsens COPD over time. Additionally, the stress and anxiety experienced by patients due to their condition can exacerbate their symptoms.
One of the primary causes of COPD is prolonged exposure to harmful respiratory substances. In Indonesia, smoking is the most common risk factor. The stress experienced by COPD patients can lead smokers to increase their cigarette consumption, which only worsens disease progression.
A respiratory rehabilitation program is a comprehensive intervention essential for COPD patients. A study by Arnold et al. found that a 6–8 week therapy program can improve overall health, reduce breathlessness, increase exercise capacity, enhance mental well-being, and lower hospitalization rates. Respiratory rehabilitation is crucial in maintaining optimal patient function and improving quality of life.
The Goals of Respiratory Rehabilitation:
- Improve exercise tolerance
- Alleviate symptoms
- Prevent complications, allowing patients to remain active and return to work
- Enhance overall quality of life
The therapy program is determined by a specialist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and can be carried out by a team of related therapists. Rehabilitation for COPD focuses on muscle conditioning and cardiopulmonary health. Additionally, the Jakarta Rehab Clinic’s Rehabilitation Team is equipped with psychological counseling services to support patients throughout their treatment journey and provide motivation to reduce smoking habits.
References:
- Arnold MT, Dolezal BA, Cooper CB. Pulmonary Rehabilitation for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Highly Effective but Often Overlooked. Tuberc Respir Dis (Seoul). 2020 Oct;83(4):257-67.
- Elkhateeb NB, Elhadidi AA, Masood HH, Mohammed AR. Pulmonary rehabilitation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Egyptian Journal of Chest Diseases and Tuberculosis (2015) 64, 359-369.
- Singh S, Harrison S, Houchen L, Wagg K. Exercise assessment and training in pulmonary rehabilitation for patients with COPD. Eur J Phys Rehabil Med. 2011;47(3):483–497.