LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Breathing
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Pulmonary rehabilitation, which employs a team of health professionals that monitors and treats the medical, physical, and emotional aspects of COPD. It generally combines exercise, breathing therapy, emotional support, nutritional guidance, and education. Pulmonary rehabilitation is required for those undergoing lung volume reduction surgery or a lung transplant.
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[C]hronic infections such as active tuberculosis (TB), recurrent pneumonia, or recurrent fungal infections in the lungs, can lead to COPD. Lung infections that occur repeatedly wear out the lung over time and may cause irreparable damage.
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All pulmonary rehabilitation programs generally include education for both you and your family on how the program affects your COPD symptoms, the importance of the program to your overall health, and how regular participation can help you meet your goals. Understanding COPD—how it progresses and is best treated—makes it easier to live with and manage the disease.
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Chronic, low-flow oxygen, non-invasive ventilation, or intubation may be needed in some cases. Surgery to remove parts of the disease lung has been shown to be helpful for some patients with COPD.
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COPD is a progressive and potentially fatal disease. Many important end-of-life decisions can be made while you are active and able to communicate your wishes. For more information, see the topics Care at the End of Life and Writing an Advance Directive.
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