Pulmonary Rehabilitation for Management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

A 61-year-old woman is referred for pulmonary consultation. She smoked one pack of cigarettes a day for 45 years but quit a year ago. For 2 years she has noted progressive exertional dyspnea, with breathlessness occurring when she is walking up one flight of stairs or hurrying on level ground. A diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was made a year ago, and she was treated with inhaled medications. She is sedentary and recently gained 15 lb (6.8 kg); her only frequent social activity is playing cards. Her physical examination is normal except for a weight of 195 lb (88.5 kg) (body-mass index [the weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in meters], 32) and for decreased breath sounds and prolonged expiration on chest auscultation. Spirometry reveals moderate airway obstruction; an echocardiogram is normal. The pulmonary consultant recommends enrollment in a pulmonary rehabilitation program.