Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Is Pulmonary Rehabilitation Necessary For A COPD Patient?
Question: Dr. Bhavsar,
We just had a discussion about my spirometry test and my pulmonary function.
You ended the discussion by saying I should write you here directly for "follow-up" questions.
I was so satisfied with your caring, informed responses that I DO want to continue this discussion!
....to continue our conversation......NO, my doctor did not put me on ANY KIND of treatment.....I have to date had no "symptoms" to treat.
You mentioned "pulmonary rehab".....do you feel that is warranted in my circumstance?
I am more than willing to seek out a pulmonologist here.....but, obviously, don't want to involve any specialists unless they are truly necessary....although I have greatly valued your input! I think I am correct in believing that you are a pulmonologist.
I have been curious why my PCP labelled me as having COPD.....should I question him further about his diagnosis, in your opinion?
I hear your advice about no smoking at all.....but this is the advice you would give ANY smoker, I'm sure.....not JUST the ones with current health concerns!
Thank you so very much.....have never dealt with a physician on these websites with whom I felt such a connection.....you are informative and honest!!....( I DID give you a 5-star rating!)
We just had a discussion about my spirometry test and my pulmonary function.
You ended the discussion by saying I should write you here directly for "follow-up" questions.
I was so satisfied with your caring, informed responses that I DO want to continue this discussion!
....to continue our conversation......NO, my doctor did not put me on ANY KIND of treatment.....I have to date had no "symptoms" to treat.
You mentioned "pulmonary rehab".....do you feel that is warranted in my circumstance?
I am more than willing to seek out a pulmonologist here.....but, obviously, don't want to involve any specialists unless they are truly necessary....although I have greatly valued your input! I think I am correct in believing that you are a pulmonologist.
I have been curious why my PCP labelled me as having COPD.....should I question him further about his diagnosis, in your opinion?
I hear your advice about no smoking at all.....but this is the advice you would give ANY smoker, I'm sure.....not JUST the ones with current health concerns!
Thank you so very much.....have never dealt with a physician on these websites with whom I felt such a connection.....you are informative and honest!!....( I DID give you a 5-star rating!)
Brief Answer:
It is good that you have not been put on any medicines.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your direct question on Healthcare Magic.
Thanks for your kind words. I am truly obliged. And thanks again for five star ratings. Yes, I am practicing pulmonologist in XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
Yes, you need pulmonary rehabilitation.
In fact every smoker (regular or occasional) needs this for better future pulmonary outcomes.
Pulmonary rehabilitation mainly deals with three things.
1. Smoking cessation
2. Chest physiotherapy and deep breathing exercises
3. Adult pulmonary vaccines.
With the help of counselling and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), the process of smoking cessation made easy.
Chest physiotherapy and deep breathing exercises are good for lung functions.
Pulmonary vaccines like pneumococcal and influenza vaccines are given to prevent recurrent respiratory tract infections as smokers are more prone for such infections.
Please let me know
1. Have you ever consulted pulmonologist?
Please reply me answer of above asked question, so that I can guide you better. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.
It is good that you have not been put on any medicines.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your direct question on Healthcare Magic.
Thanks for your kind words. I am truly obliged. And thanks again for five star ratings. Yes, I am practicing pulmonologist in XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
Yes, you need pulmonary rehabilitation.
In fact every smoker (regular or occasional) needs this for better future pulmonary outcomes.
Pulmonary rehabilitation mainly deals with three things.
1. Smoking cessation
2. Chest physiotherapy and deep breathing exercises
3. Adult pulmonary vaccines.
With the help of counselling and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), the process of smoking cessation made easy.
Chest physiotherapy and deep breathing exercises are good for lung functions.
Pulmonary vaccines like pneumococcal and influenza vaccines are given to prevent recurrent respiratory tract infections as smokers are more prone for such infections.
Please let me know
1. Have you ever consulted pulmonologist?
Please reply me answer of above asked question, so that I can guide you better. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Dr. B....
No, I have not ever seen a pulmonologist.
Given my situation, do you think I should see one? I understood your directions for "pulmonary rehab".....but my Primary care physician seems to think there is no need to see one!....interesting in light of the fact that HE was the one who diagnosed "COPD".
I understood you to say that you do not think that COPD can be diagnosed based on the results I gave you.....but I will take your advice for rehab, however.
Thank you!
No, I have not ever seen a pulmonologist.
Given my situation, do you think I should see one? I understood your directions for "pulmonary rehab".....but my Primary care physician seems to think there is no need to see one!....interesting in light of the fact that HE was the one who diagnosed "COPD".
I understood you to say that you do not think that COPD can be diagnosed based on the results I gave you.....but I will take your advice for rehab, however.
Thank you!
Brief Answer:
Yes, you should definitely think seriously about pulmonary rehabilitation.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
Well, I am no saying that you should immediately consult pulmonologist.
But what I am trying to say is that you should start pulmonary rehabilitation program.
I don't know in your part of world whether pulmonologist 's prescription is required or not for rehabilitation.
In my part of world, smokers cancer directly join rehab centers without consulting pulmonologist.
So you should at least search for rehabilitation centers near you and join them.
Hope I have solved your query.
If you are not having further queries, then please close the conversation and rate my answer.
You can ask me directly on bit.ly/askdrkaushalbhavsar. Wish you good health. Thanks.
Yes, you should definitely think seriously about pulmonary rehabilitation.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
Well, I am no saying that you should immediately consult pulmonologist.
But what I am trying to say is that you should start pulmonary rehabilitation program.
I don't know in your part of world whether pulmonologist 's prescription is required or not for rehabilitation.
In my part of world, smokers cancer directly join rehab centers without consulting pulmonologist.
So you should at least search for rehabilitation centers near you and join them.
Hope I have solved your query.
If you are not having further queries, then please close the conversation and rate my answer.
You can ask me directly on bit.ly/askdrkaushalbhavsar. Wish you good health. Thanks.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
