Prediction on the burden of disease of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and simulation of the effectiveness of controlling risk factors in China by 2030 / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective: To forecast the burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in China by 2030 and evaluate the effectiveness of controlling risk factors based on the predictive model. Methods: Based on the relationship between the death of COPD and exposure to risk factors and the theory of comparative risk assessment, we used the estimates of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2015 (GBD2015) for China, targets for controlling risk factors, and proportion change model to project the number of deaths, standardized mortality rate, and probability of premature mortality from chronic respiratory diseases by 2030 in different scenarios and to evaluate the impact of controlling the included risk factors to the disease burden of COPD in 2030. Results: If the trends in exposure to risk factors from 1990 to 2015 continued, the number of deaths and the mortality for COPD would be 1.06 million and 73.85 per 100 000 population in China by 2030, respectively, with an increase of 15.81% and 10.69% compared to those in 2015. Compared to 2015, the age-standardized mortality rate would decrease by 38.88%, and the premature mortality would reduce by 52.73% by 2030. If the smoking rate and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentration separately achieve their control targets by 2030, there would be 0.34 and 0.27 million deaths that could be avoided compared to the predicted numbers based on the natural trends in exposure to risk factors and the probability of premature death would reduce to 0.59% and 0.52%, respectively. If the control targets of all included risk factors were achieved by 2030, a total of 0.53 million deaths would be averted, and the probability of premature death would decrease to 0.44%. Conclusions: If the exposures to risk factors continued as showed from 1990 to 2015, the number of deaths and mortality for COPD would increase by 2030 compared to 2015, and the standardized mortality and the probability of premature death would decrease significantly, which would achieve the targets of preventing and controlling COPD. If the exposure to the included risk factors all achieved the targets by 2030, the burden of COPD would be reduced, suggesting that the control of tobacco use and air pollution should be enhanced to prevent and control COPD.

Vivendo bem com DPOC: orientações para o autocuidado / Vivendo bem com DPOC: orientações para o autocuidado

Produto do projeto: Impacto da coordenação e acompanhamento do cuidado por telemonitoramento na qualidade da assistência prestada aos usuários do SUS portadores de doenças crônicas, egressos de internação hospitalar em Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil.

Impacto de uma intervenção educacional de enfermagem em pacientes portadores de DPOC / Impact of an educational nursing intervention in patients with COPD / Impacto de una intervención educativa de enfermería en pacientes con EPOC

Objetivo: avaliar os efeitos imediatos da orientação do plano de alta hospitalar aos pacientes com DPOC. Método: estudo prospectivo, comparativo, realizado num hospital privado de São Paulo, com pacientes com DPOC. Na primeira etapa foi aplicado questionário "Plano educacional para pacientes com DPOC" para avaliar conhecimento do paciente sobre sua doença. Na segunda etapa foi realizada intervenção educacional e na terceira, reaplicação do questionário. A comparação do resultado do pré e pós-teste foram feitas pelo teste T pareado. Projeto de pesquisa aprovado em comitê de ética, parecer no 003/12. Resultados: dos 50 pacientes participantes do estudo, 68% responderam não conhecer bem sua doença antes da orientação e apenas 22% após intervenção educacional. Todas seções do questionário apresentaram aumento na média de acertos após intervenção educacional. Conclusão: orientação do plano de alta hospitalar mostrou-se efetiva resultando em melhora imediata do conhecimento.

Objective: to evaluate the immediate effects of the orientation of the hospital discharge plan for patients with COPD. Method: prospective and comparative study performed in a private hospital in São Paulo, with patients with COPD. In first step it was used the questionnaire "Educational Plan for COPD patients" to assess patient knowledge about their disease. In second step, educational intervention was carried out and in the third, again the of the questionnaire was used. The comparison between pre and post-test results was done by paired T-test. The project was approved by the research ethics committee. Result: from the 50 patients who participated in study, 68% reported not knowing their disease well before orientation and only 22% after educational intervention. In all sections of questionnaire there was an increase in correct answers after educational intervention. Conclusion: the orientation of the hospital discharge plan was effective resulting in an immediate improvement of knowledge.

Objetivo: evaluar los efectos inmediatos de la orientación del plan de alta para pacientes con EPOC. Métodos: estudio prospectivo, comparativo, realizado en hospital privado de São Paulo, con pacientes con EPOC. En la primera etapa se aplicó el cuestionario "Plan de Educación para los pacientes con EPOC" para evaluar el conocimiento del paciente sobre su enfermedad. En la segunda etapa fué realizada intervención educativa, en la tercera se realizó reaplicación del cuestionario. La comparación del resultado del pre y post-test fue hecha por la prueba T pareado. Proyecto de investigación aprobado por comité de ética, protocolo no 003/12. Resultados: de los 50 pacientes participantes, 68% dijeron desconocer su enfermedad antes de la orientación, sólo 22% después de la intervención educativa. Todas secciones del cuestionario se produjo aumento en promedio de aciertos después de la intervención. Conclusión: la orientación del plan de alta fué eficaz, resultando mejora inmediata del conocimiento.

Prevención no farmacológica de las exacerbaciones en la EPOC: efecto antiinflamatorio de la actividad física / Non-pharmacological prevention of exacerbations in COPD: anti-inflammatory effect of physical activity

The chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the chronic respiratory condition most prevalent in adults, caused mainly by smoking. Its burden is progressively increasing and, according to the World Health Organization, is one of the main causes of mortality and disability around the world. Patients with COPD present acute worsening of the disease, defined as acute exacerbations, which are the main cause of hospitalizations and deaths. Therefore, it is crucial to identify effective interventions focused in their prevention. Patients with COPD present dyspnoea and intolerance to exercise responsible for a progressive reduction in the level of physical activity, which is an independent risk factor for future exacerbations and mortality. On the other hand, it has been demonstrated that COPD patients with low level of physical activity present higher marker levels of systemic inflammation. Interventions able to increase the level of physical activity in COPD patients have demonstrated positive effects in quality of life and a few clinical trials suggest that improving physical activity is able to prevent exacerbations. We hypothesize that these effects could be explained by changes in systemic inflammation secondary to an increase of physical activity. (AU)

Educational interventions to improve inhaler techniques and their impact on asthma and COPD control: a pilot effectiveness-implementation trial / Educação para a melhora da técnica inalatória e seu impacto no controle da asma e DPOC: um estudo piloto de efetividade-intervenção

ABSTRACT To assess the impact that educational interventions to improve inhaler techniques have on the clinical and functional control of asthma and COPD, we evaluated 44 participants before and after such an intervention. There was a significant decrease in the number of errors, and 20 patients (46%) significantly improved their technique regarding prior exhalation and breath hold. In the asthma group, there were significant improvements in the mean FEV1, FVC, and PEF (of 6.4%, 8.6%, and 8.3% respectively). Those improvements were accompanied by improvements in Control of Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma Test scores but not in Asthma Control Test scores. In the COPD group, there were no significant variations. In asthma patients, educational interventions appear to improve inhaler technique, clinical control, and functional control.

RESUMO Para avaliar o impacto do ensino da técnica inalatória no controle clínico e funcional de pacientes com asma ou DPOC, incluíram-se 44 participantes antes e após essa intervenção. Houve uma diminuição significativa no número de erros cometidos, sendo que 20 pacientes (46%) melhoraram significativamente sua técnica na expiração prévia e apneia final. No grupo asma, houve significativa melhora nas médias de FEV1 (6,4%), CVF (8,6%) e PFE (8,3%), e essa melhora correlacionou-se com os resultados no Control of Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma Test, mas não com os do Asthma Control Test. No grupo DPOC, não houve variações significativas. O ensino da técnica inalatória parece melhorar seu desempenho e os controles clínico e funcional em pacientes com asma.

Smoking control: challenges and achievements / Controle do tabagismo: desafios e conquistas

ABSTRACT Smoking is the most preventable and controllable health risk. Therefore, all health care professionals should give their utmost attention to and be more focused on the problem of smoking. Tobacco is a highly profitable product, because of its large-scale production and great number of consumers. Smoking control policies and treatment resources for smoking cessation have advanced in recent years, showing highly satisfactory results, particularly in Brazil. However, there is yet a long way to go before smoking can be considered a controlled disease from a public health standpoint. We can already perceive that the behavior of our society regarding smoking is changing, albeit slowly. Therefore, pulmonologists have a very promising area in which to work with their patients and the general population. We must act with greater impetus in support of health care policies and social living standards that directly contribute to improving health and quality of life. In this respect, pulmonologists can play a greater role as they get more involved in treating smokers, strengthening anti-smoking laws, and demanding health care policies related to lung diseases.

RESUMO O tabagismo é o fator de risco mais prevenível e controlável em saúde e, por isso, precisa ter a máxima atenção e ser muito mais enfocado por todos os profissionais da saúde. O tabaco é um produto de alta rentabilidade pela sua grande produção e pelo elevado número de consumidores. As políticas de controle e os recursos terapêuticos para o tabagismo avançaram muito nos últimos anos e têm mostrado resultados altamente satisfatórios, particularmente no Brasil. Entretanto, ainda resta um longo caminho a ser percorrido para que se possa considerar o tabagismo como uma doença controlada sob o ponto de vista da saúde pública. Já se observam modificações do comportamento da sociedade com relação ao tabagismo, mas ainda em escala muito lenta, de modo que os pneumologistas têm nesse setor um campo muito promissor para atuar junto a seus pacientes e a população em geral. É preciso atuar com maior ímpeto em prol das políticas de saúde e das normas de convívio social que contribuem diretamente para melhorar a saúde e a vida. Nesse aspecto, os pneumologistas podem ter um papel de maior destaque na medida em que se envolvam com o tratamento dos fumantes, a aplicação da lei antifumo e as políticas de saúde relacionadas às doenças respiratórias.

Long-term efficacy of a rural community-based integrated intervention for prevention and management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a cluster randomized controlled trial in China's rural areas

This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a rural community-based integrated intervention for early prevention and management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in China. This 18-year cluster-randomized controlled trial encompassing 15 villages included 1008 patients (454 men and 40 women in the intervention group [mean age, 54 ± 10 years]; 482 men and 32 women in the control group [mean age, 53 ± 10 years]) with confirmed COPD or at risk for COPD. Villages were randomly assigned to the intervention or the control group, and study participants residing within the villages received treatment accordingly. Intervention group patients took part in a program that included systematic health education, smoking cessation counseling, and education on management of COPD. Control group patients received usual care. The groups were compared after 18 years regarding the incidence of COPD, decline in lung function, and mortality of COPD. COPD incidence was lower in the intervention group than in the control group (10% vs 16%, <0.05). A decline in lung function was also significantly delayed in the intervention group compared to the control group of COPD and high-risk patients. The intervention group showed significant improvement in smoking cessation compared with the control group, and smokers in the intervention group had lower smoking indices than in the control group (350 vs 450, <0.05). The intervention group also had a significantly lower cumulative COPD-related death rate than the control group (37% vs 47%, <0.05). A rural community-based integrated intervention is effective in reducing the incidence of COPD among those at risk, delaying a decline in lung function in COPD patients and those at risk, and reducing mortality of COPD.

Perfil epidemiológico-clínico de pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica en el Centro de Salud Jardinillos / Clinical-epidemiological profile of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Jardinillos Health Center

FUNDAMENTO: la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica, se caracteriza esencialmente por una limitación crónica al flujo aéreo poco reversible, conocerla facilita brindarles una mejor calidad de vida a los que la padecen. OBJETIVO: estudiar el perfil clínico y epidemiológico del enfermo en el Centro de Salud Jardinillos del área de Palencia, para brindarles una mejor calidad de vida. MÉTODOS: se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo transversal en 228 pacientes con diagnóstico de enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica desde enero a diciembre de 2013. Para conocer el perfil epidemiológico y clínico, se utilizó un formulario de recolección de datos previamente estructurado y codificado. Se revisaron las historias clínicas y epidemiológicas de cada uno de los pacientes y se analizaron los datos a través del programa Excel donde se incluyeron los pacientes confirmados. RESULTADOS: existió predominio del sexo masculino con una edad aproximada entre 71 y 80 años. Las comorbilidades más señaladas fueron la hipertensión arterial y la diabetes mellitus, un 61, 8 % de los pacientes eran fumadores. Con respecto a la vacunación un 65, 8 % del total estaban vacunados contra la gripe y neumococo. Confirmaron enolismo negativo el 86 % de los pacientes estudiados. Presentaron exacerbaciones de enfermedad obstructiva crónica un 85, 96 % que requirieron cambio de tratamiento o ingreso hospitalario. La mayoría pertenecían al fenotipo agudizador con bronquitis crónica. El tratamiento más utilizado con los broncodilatadores de acción prolongada. CONCLUSIONES: la mayoría de los pacientes eran del sexo masculino, con edad avanzada. La comorbilidad más frecuente fue la hipertensión arterial y la diabetes mellitus y un 61, 8 % de pacientes eran fumadores. El fenotipo agudizador con bronquitis crónica fue el más identificado, el tratamiento más utilizado fueron los broncodilatadores de acción prolongada.

BACKGROUND: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is mainly characterized by a chronic limitation to little-reversible air flow. Knowing this disease facilitates giving the patients a better quality of life. Objective: to study the clinical-epidemiological profile of patients in Jardinillos Health Center, in Palencia area, to give them a better quality of life. METHODS: a cross-sectional, descriptive, observational study was conducted in 228 patients with the diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease from January to December, 2013. A previously structured and codified form for collecting data was used to know the clinical-epidemiological profile. The clinical and epidemiological histories of each patient were revised. Data were analyzed by means of Excel program and the confirmed patients were included. RESULTS: male patients between 71 and 80 years old predominated. The most seen comorbidity was hypertension and diabetes mellitus; a 61, 8 % of the patients were smokers. Regarding vaccination, a 65, 8 % of the patients were vaccinated against influenza and pneumococcus. The 86 % of the studied patients were negative to alcoholism. The 85, 96 % of the patients presented exacerbation of chronic obstructive disease and required a change in the treatment or admission in the hospital. Most of the patients belonged to the acuter phenotype with chronic bronchitis. The treatment with long-acting bronchodilators was the most used one. CONCLUSIONS: most of the patients were male and of advanced years. The most frequent comorbidity was hypertension and diabetes mellitus and a 61, 8 % of the patients were smokers. The acuter phenotype with chronic bronchitis was the most identified. The treatment with long-acting bronchodilators was the most used one.

Prevención para la exacerbación aguda en la Enfermedad Pulmonar Obstructiva Crónica / Prevention of acute exacerbation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

La enfermedad Pulmonar Obstructiva Crónica (EPOC), causa importante de muerte en los paises desarrollados (ocupa el cuarto lugar en EUA), es tan ó más frecuente en países en desarrollo. La exacerbación aguda de la enfermedad (EABC) causa número importante de hospitalizaciones y consultas. Un paciente con EPOC presenta de una a tres EABC por año, el número de exacerbaciones es marcador de severidad de la condición y determina la calidad de vida y mortalidad del paciente, 3 a 16% de casos se hospitalizan. La mortalidad hospitalaria es elevada, 10% en casos de EPOC severos y mayor si el paciente ingresa a una Unidad de Cuidado Intensivo. La etiología subyacente en la descompensación de un paciente co EPOC, es infecciosa, (hasta 80%), otras condiciones como Embolia Pulmonar, Neutórax, Isuficiencia Cardíaca, Fracturas en la caja torácica e Infecciones no pulmonares, descompensan también al paciente. La prevención de la exacerbación es un objetivo principal de la EPOC, en la actualidad las medidas que pueden disminuir la frecuencia de EABC se ha incrementado y existe evidencia que sustenta intervenciones de tipo preventivo eficaces. Estas medidas pueden ser farmacológicas, están disponibles para el beneficio de nuestros pacientes. El paciente con EABC debe recibir tratamiento proporcional a la severidad de su condición, se debe tratar las comorbilidades y instalar desde el momento agudo el inicio de la estrategia preventiva para el futuro. La presencia de EABC es un evento que puede deberse a múltiples causas, por lo que un enfoque individual del paciente es primordial.

Recomendaciones para la prevención, diagnóstico y tratamiento de LA EPOC en la Argentina / Guidelines for COPD prevention, diagnosis and treatment in Argentina

La enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) está aumentando marcadamente su morbimortalidad, costos e indicadores epidemiológicos. Por ello la Asociación Argentina de Medicina Respiratoria (AAMR) convocó a un grupo de especialistas para actualizar conocimientos básicos y efectuar recomendaciones para su diagnóstico, prevención y tratamiento. Se revisan definición, avances en fisiopatología, presentación clínica, diagnóstico por imágenes y evaluación funcional. Se enfatiza su diagnóstico temprano mediante exploración funcional -esencialmente espirometría- y la prevención a través de la cesación del tabaquismo. Se describen estrategias para dejar de fumar, tratamiento farmacológico y no farmacológico. La administración de broncodilatadores, preferentemente de acción prolongada, es la primera opción de tratamiento farmacológico. Los corticoides inhalados se indican en combinación con los broncodilatadores en pacientes con obstrucción al flujo aéreo persistente asociada con exacerbaciones frecuentes, si bien se requieren estudios que confirmen su relación costo/beneficio. La vacuna antigripal es recomendada en todos los pacientes. Con respecto a las intervenciones no farmacológicas, la cirugía del enfisema solo se recomienda en circunstancias especiales. La rehabilitación respiratoria es una herramienta útil en pacientes con limitación en la actividad física habitual. La oxígenoterapia crónica domiciliaria mejora la supervivencia en pacientes con hipoxemia crónica grave. La ventilación no invasiva domiciliaria fuera de las exacerbaciones, tiene indicaciones en pacientes seleccionados. Las exacerbaciones agudas deben tratarse con broncodilatadores, oxígeno, corticoides, antibióticos y, bajo ciertas circunstancias, asistencia respiratoria mecánica tanto no invasiva como invasiva. El papel de la educación pública, del paciente y su familia, es considerada esencial en la prevención y tratamiento.

Since morbidity, mortality and socioeconomic costs from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) are widely increasing, a group of respiratory medicine specialists was summoned by the AAMR to update basic knowledge on COPD and to issue recommendations for its prevention, diagnosis and treatment. The authors review the definition of COPD together with current knowledge on pathophysiology. Clinical presentation, functional evaluation and imaging are summarized. Early diagnosis through pulmonary function tests -mainly spirometry- and the role of smoking cessation are stressed. Smoking cessation strategies are described as well as pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment. Long acting bronchodilators are considered the first pharmacological option for treatment due to its effectiveness and patient compliance. Inhaled corticosteroids are indicated in combination with long-acting bronchodilators in patients who present persistent airway obstruction associated with frequent exacerbations since they reduce their number although further studies are needed to confirm their cost/benefit. Annual influenza vaccination is recommended in all patients. In the non-pharmacological section, surgery for emphysema is suggested in very specific cases. Respiratory rehabilitation is a useful tool for patients with daily activities limitation. Long-term oxygen therapy at home improves survival in patients with severe chronic hypoxemia. Non-invasive home ventilation in chronic patients has limited indications in specific subgroups. Acute exacerbations should be aggressively treated with bronchodilators, oxygen, antibiotics, corticosteroids and eventually mechanical ventilation, as invasive as not invasive respiratory support. The importance of public education as well as of individual patients and their families is deemed essential in the prevention and treatment of the disease.

Non-communicable diseases in the South-East Asia Region: Burden, strategies and opportunities.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a global health and developmental emergency, as they cause premature deaths, exacerbate poverty and threaten national economies. In 2008, they were the top killers in the South-East Asia region, causing 7.9 million deaths; the number of deaths is expected to increase by 21% over the next decade. One-third of the 7.9 million deaths (34%) occurred in those <60 years of age (compared to 23% in the rest of the world). Of the total deaths in the South-East Asia region (14.5 million), cardiovascular diseases accounted for 25%, chronic respiratory diseases 9.6%, cancer 7.8% and diabetes 2.1%. NCDs are largely attributable to a few preventable risk factors, all of which are highly prevalent in the region—tobacco use, unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity and harmful use of alcohol. Key strategies for the prevention and control of NCDs include (i) reducing exposure to risk factors through health promotion and primary prevention, (ii) early diagnosis and management of people with NCDs, and (iii) surveillance to monitor trends in risk factors and diseases. Tackling NCDs calls for a paradigm shift: from addressing each NCD separately to collectively addressing a cluster of diseases in an integrated manner, and from using a biomedical approach to a public health approach guided by the principles of universal access and social justice. High levels of commitment and multisectoral actions are needed to reverse the growing burden of NCDs in the South-East Asia region.

Educación en los programas de rehabilitación respiratoria de los pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica / Education in pulmonary rehabilitation programs for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Education is considered a core component of pulmonary rehabilitation. Rather than to simply provide didactic education, the recommendation now is to promote self-efficacy through teaching self-management skills (quality evidence B, moderate recommendation). The main components of self-management education are the use of action plan for early treatment of exacerbations, breathing strategies and bronchial hygiene techniques and the adherence to exercise at home. There still need of evidence about which mechanisms of self-management education have the most perdurable effects.

La educación es considerada un componente central de la rehabilitación pulmonar. En vez de entregar educación orientada a la mera entrega de conocimientos la tendencia actual es propiciar la autoeficacia del paciente dando especial énfasis a la enseñanza de las habilidades del autocuidado (calidad de la evidencia B, fuerza de la recomendación moderada). Los principales componentes de la educación en el autocuidado son: el reconocimiento y tratamiento precoz de las exacerbaciones agudas mediante el uso de su propio "plan de acción", las técnicas de respiración y de drenaje bronquial y la enseñanza orientada a fortalecer la adherencia a los programas de ejercicio en el hogar. Aún faltan estudios que demuestren cuales son los mecanismos más efectivos para lograr que la educación en el autocuidado tenga efectos perdurables en el tiempo.

Percepção de idosos com doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica sobre a qualidade de vida / Perception of elderly people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease on quality of life / Percepción de ancianos con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica en relación a la calidad de vida

Objetivou analisar a percepção de idosos com doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica sobre a qualidade de vida. Os dados foram coletados com 24 idosos aplicando o instrumento World Health Organization Quality of Life-100, orientado pelo conceito dequalidade de vida da Organização Mundial da Saúde, composto pelos domínios Físico, Psicológico, Nível de independência, Relações sociais e Religiosidade. A análise descritiva demonstrou média e desvio-padrão dos escores para tais domínios,respectivamente: 11,15±2,58, 13,94±1,65, 11,57±3,02, 14,02±2,03, 13,72±2,03 e 15,45±2,26. Os Domínios Físicos e Nível de Independência foram os mais influentes na avaliação negativa da qualidade de vida. A correlação demonstrou que oselementos mais influentes são: dor, energia, sono, mobilidade, atividades da vida cotidiana, dependência de medicação ou tratamento, e capacidade para o trabalho. O instrumento utilizado mostrou-se sensível ao objetivo pretendido, permitindo verificar consonância com outros estudos em relação às facetas que mais influenciam a qualidade de vida desta população.

Utilidad de los macrólidos en las enfermedades respiratorias crónicas / Use of macrolides in chronic respiratory disease

Los macrólidos se han usado desde hace años con el objetivo de lograr efectos antiinflamatorios beneficiosos en pacientes con distintas patologías.

Manejo de la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica estable / Management of stable chronic pulmonary obstructive disease

La enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) es una enfermedad prevenible y tratable. Su componente pulmonar se caracteriza por una obstrucción del flujo aéreo que no es completamente reversible. Las pruebas disponibles muestran que algunos componentes de los programas de rehabilitación respiratoria traen beneficios para los pacientes con EPOC sintomática, sin embargo, no está muy claro si este beneficio se traduce en menos gastos en la asistencia sanitaria.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a preventable and treatable condition. Its lung component is characterized by an airflow obstruction that is not completely reversible. Available evidence shows that some components of respiratory rehabilitation programs bring benefits for patients with symptomatic COPD; however, it is not quite clear whether this benefit translates into less expenditure in healthcare.