Chronic Obstructive Airway Diseases

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
THE TWO major objectives of a comprehensive respiratory care program are to (1) control and alleviate as much as possible the symptoms of respiratory impairment and (2) teach the patient how to achieve optimal capacity to carry out his activities of daily living. There is evidence1-9that patients treated by a systematized care program of a type summarized in this article are likely to remain functional for longer periods of time and become better able to cope with the demands of their daily living. The focus of the state-of-the-art communication (part of a study funded by the National Science Foundation) on the diagnosis and systematized care of patients suffering from emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and asthma is on the individual and his particular situation, not just the manifestations of his disease. It includes concern for his environmental situation and his personality makeup. Thus, systematized care involves rehabilitation medicine, consideration of