Pulmonary rehabilitation [Pneumologische rehabilitation]

Comprehensive, multidisciplinary pulmonary rehabilitation may offer substantial benefit for patients with chronic lung diseases. For patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in particular, the data for different treatment components are convincing with a high level of evidence. The clinical effects that can be achieved using a multimodal rehabilitative approach may be equivalent or even superior to drug therapy. This article outlines the effectiveness and clinical relevance of pulmonary rehabilitation. © Springer Medizin Verlag 2009.