Personalized management of patients with chronic pulmonary disease

Abstract

Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are two chronic respiratory diseases with significant consequences on the physical and mental health of patients. Its management includes a wide range of interventions involving education, pulmonary rehabilitation and medications. The main objective is to ensure patient survival by reducing dyspnea, improving ventilation and consequently improving their quality of life. An optimal rehabilitation program should be adapted to the physical and respiratory capacities of the patient allowing an increase in their daily life activities. The assessment of patients during rehabilitation should take into account all factors that may potentially trigger bronchospasm including environmental conditions and medications if not taken appropriately (importance of optimization of inhalation techniques and schedules of administration). Thus, the interaction between the physical therapist and the pharmacist is essential to set up a personalized and secure pulmonary rehabilitation program. © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS