Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Airway Diseases

Pulmonary rehabilitation of asthma and COPD patients can improve their physical performance and quality of life, maintain participation in social and professional life and actively promote self-help. In addition, the resources for acute medical treatment can be spared. In case of COPD, rehabilitation directly after exacerbation can also improve the poor survival prognosis and reduce the risk of emergency hospital readmission. Therefore, pulmonary rehabilitation is an essential component of evidence-based long-term management of both bronchial asthma and, in particular, COPD. In the German healthcare system, however, pneumological rehabilitation is offered only for a small fraction of patients. Despite a very good evidence of pulmonary rehabilitation, especially in COPD patients, their share in all rehabilitation services is remarkably low. It does not even amount to 3% of all medical rehabilitation measures approved by the German Pension Insurance.