[Improved exercise tolerance can be achieved in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by means of...

A 67-year-old man with severe COPD and a 56-year-old woman with very severe COPD were dyspnoeic during even mild exercise, so that they could no longer take care of themselves properly. The man followed a rehabilitation programme aimed at restoration of his physical condition and self-confidence and optimisation of his nutritional status. The woman was subjected to surgery to reduce her lung volume. Both were subsequently able to live independently. During the past decade, considerable attention has been given to the non-pharmacological treatment of patients with COPD. Together with optimal pharmacotherapy, COPD can be effectively treated by rehabilitation, lung volume reduction surgery and lung transplantation. Clinically relevant improvements can be achieved in both exercise capacity and quality of life. The clinical condition, lung function and radiological findings guide the choice of treatment in each individual.