This is a Ph.D. dissertation. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a disease state characterized by airflow limitation that is not fully reversible. The airflow limitation is usually progressive and associated with an abnormal inflammatory response of the lungs to noxious particles or gases. Clinically, it is characterized by complaints of cough, sputum production, and/or dyspnoea, and diagnosed by a significantly reduced Tiffeneau index. It was the fourth leading cause of death in the United States in 1996, exceeded only by heart attacks, cancers and stroke. Hence, COPD is a major global health problem and its burden on society is growing rapidly. For these reasons, COPD was chosen as a study population in the present project.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Exacerbations covers the definition, diagnosis, epidemiology, mechanisms, and treatment associated with COPD exacerbations. This text also addresses imaging and how it plays a pivotal role in the diagnosis and study of exacerbations.Written by today's top experts, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Exacerbat

Drs. Nici and ZuWallack have assembled an expert team of authors covering topics such as: The history of pulmonary rehabilitation, The systemic nature of chronic lung disease, Evidence-based outcomes from pulmonary rehabilitation in the COPD patient, Location, duration and timing of pulmonary rehabilitation, Exercise training in pulmonary rehabilitation, Strategies to enhance the benefits of exercise training in the respiratory patient, Collaborative self management and behavior change, Approaches to outcome assessment in pulmonary rehabilitation, and more!

Pulmonary rehabilitation programmes are a fundamental part of the clinical management of patients with chronic respiratory diseases. This comprehensive reference book places pulmonary rehabilitation within the wider framework of respiratory disease. Now in six parts, it includes new sections on the development of PR as a discipline, global perspectives on quality control, new chapters on early PR post exacerbation and personalized rehabilitation, innovative approaches to exercise, PR in interstitial lung disease and lung transplantation, and the latest research into the application of music, dance and yoga. Key Features Global contributions compare practice around the world where differences have developed. New six Part structure covers new approaches to exercise testing, interstitial lung diseases and other diseases, and add-on interventions drawing on new technologies. Contains recommendations of the large collaborative ERS/ATS task forces on guidelines for PR as well as suggested policies for its implementation and use. Covers the important topic of balance impairment as a focus of rehabilitation for the at-risk patient and a new chapter on monitoring physical activity. The voices of patients and caregivers describe the impact of chronic respiratory disease on their lives. Features an exclusive chapter on COVID-19 that discusses the short- and long-term pathophysiological consequences, provides information about the potential role of physiotherapy in the management of hospitalized patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19, and details on who, where, and how to deliver programs to COVID-19 and non COVID-19 patients in the lockdown and post lockdown era.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. By 2020, COPD is expected to be the fifth leading cause of disability and the third leading cause of death. COPD is associated with significant co-morbid illnesses including cardiovascular disease, pulmonary vascular disease, osteoporosis, depression and thoracic malignancies. In addition, COPD patients often have systemic manifestations of their disease, including peripheral muscle dysfunction, decreased activity levels and nutritional abnormalities, all of which contribute to poor functional status, decreased quality of life and increased health care utilization. Lack of recognition and understanding of the complex interactions of these common co-morbid conditions and systemic effects often contributes to sub-optimal care for patients with COPD. Comprehensive in covering the range of co-morbidities that often accompany COPD, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Co-Morbidities and Systemic Consequences provides a concise, evidence-based review of the problem and its systemic manifestations. All physicians interested in this growing disorder – from subspecialists to primary care providers –will find in this timely and informative title the practical, state-of-the art approaches needed to provide targeted, integrated care for patients with COPD.

Pulmonary rehabilitation programmes are now a fundamental part of the clinical management of patients with chronic respiratory diseases. This comprehensive reference book places pulmonary rehabilitation within the wider framework of respiratory disease, and the health burden that this now poses worldwide. Part one of the book examines the evidence supporting the use of pulmonary rehabilitation programmes, new trends and socio-economic implications, and the scientific bases of techniques used. In part two, the reader is given important guidance on assessing patients for rehabilitation and what the cost implications are for patients and the health care system. The last part of the book provides a general overview and discusses specific problems of delivering pulmonary rehabilitation. Throughout the book, contributions drawn from a broad range of countries compare and contrast practice around the world where differences have developed, and discuss the clinical evidence that supports current thinking.