What is the main goal of pulmonary rehabilitation?

The main goal of pulmonary rehabilitation is to improve the quality of life and functional status of patients with chronic lung disease. This program is designed to help individuals manage their condition more effectively, learn how to adapt to limitations in their lung function, and enhance their overall well-being.

Pulmonary rehabilitation typically involves a combination of exercise training, educational components about lung disease, nutritional counseling, and psychological support. By focusing on these aspects, patients are often able to experience reduced symptoms, increased physical activity levels, and an overall improvement in their ability to perform daily tasks.

While increasing lung capacity and strength can be a part of the program, it is not the primary goal. Additionally, pulmonary rehabilitation does not aim to cure chronic lung diseases, as many of these conditions are progressive or irreversible. Reducing medication usage may be a secondary benefit for some patients, but it is not a fundamental objective of pulmonary rehabilitation. Therefore, the emphasis remains on enhancing quality of life and maximizing functional capacity.