Physical Limitations
Fatigue resulting from COPD and dyspnea does not only limit physical activity, but in turn can impact on day to day ability to
socialise.4,6 Patients who feel breathless often become anxious and many adapt their lifestyles to reduce the level of breathlessness. This becomes a cycle of decline as people become less active, their muscles decondition and they find it increasingly difficult to be active. Encouraging patients to stay active can optimise their overall health status and help them stay positive. Referral to pulmonary rehabilitation can provide them with the support to achieve this.