Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: non-pharmacological approaches.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive, smoking-related, chronic disease that eventually impacts on every area of the lives of the patient and his/her family and carers. The nature of the disease - chronic, irreversible airflow obstruction - limits the impact of drug therapy, particularly as the disease progresses. Increasing breathlessness on exertion saps confidence, reduces self-esteem and produces dependence. In addition, frequent exacerbations utilize health service resources. Non-pharmacological approaches, such as pulmonary rehabilitation, together with lifestyle advice that enables patients to help themselves manage exacerbations, maintain independence and quality of life and make the most of life with COPD can benefit both patients and the health service.