Pulmonary rehabilitation in asthma: Identifying candidates, timing, and effective approaches

15 Aug 2025 09:30 09:50
Conference Hall 1 Level 3
Anmol Kaur Manjit Singh Speaker
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Anmol Kaur Manjit Singh
University Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
 
Background: Asthma, a chronic inflammatory airway disorder, presents variable symptoms and airflow limitation that can significantly impair quality of life and functional capacity. While pharmacological treatment remains the cornerstone of management, pulmonary rehabilitation, particularly physiotherapy-led interventions—plays a crucial role in addressing physical deconditioning, breathlessness, and psychosocial factors. 
 
Objective: This presentation aims to highlight the role of pulmonary rehabilitation in asthma care, with a focus on identifying appropriate candidates, optimal timing for intervention, and physiotherapy-based strategies that enhance outcomes. 
 
Methods: A review of current clinical guidelines, recent evidence, and physiotherapeutic practices was conducted to formulate best-practice recommendations for asthma-specific rehabilitation programs. 
 
Key Points: 
  • Candidate Identification: Ideal candidates include patients with poorly controlled asthma despite optimal medical therapy, those with frequent exacerbations, exercise intolerance, or high symptom burden. 
  • Timing: Pulmonary rehabilitation is most beneficial when introduced post-exacerbation or during stable phases to prevent functional decline and promote self-management. 
  • Physiotherapy Approaches: Core components include breathing retraining (e.g., diaphragmatic and pursed-lip breathing), airway clearance techniques, individualized aerobic and resistance training, and patient education to improve inhaler technique and activity tolerance. 
Conclusion: Pulmonary rehabilitation, when appropriately tailored and timed, serves as a valuable adjunct in the holistic management of asthma. Physiotherapists are uniquely positioned to deliver these interventions and optimize patient outcomes through targeted rehabilitation strategies.