Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a general term which incorporates many lung conditions including bronchitis, emphysema and asthma which impacts around 1.3 million people in the UK.

As it’s an umbrella term COPD could have developed from a range of factors but the most common is being exposed to or breathing in a harmful substance, usually cigarette smoke. This causes permanent damage to your lungs and causes airways to become damaged and narrowed. This damage causes mucus to build up, further restricting the airway. This Damage can lead to symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing, an increased mucus production and a decrease in exercise tolerance.  These symptoms develop slowly over time and can impact patients’ ability to complete even simple daily tasks such as getting dressed or even going upstairs.

Patients who suffer from and experience symptoms of COPD can benefit massively from completing pulmonary rehabilitation. Pulmonary rehab is a structured exercise program focussed on improving the function and efficiency of the lungs and muscles. It has been shown to improve fitness, reduce breathlessness and improve the efficiency and strength of your muscles, meaning daily tasks will become easier, leading to you being less out of breath. It has also been shown to improve confidence and mental wellbeing.

If you have any questions about our pulmonary rehabilitation program or about COPD please speak to an exercise physiologist on site or call 01922 725050.